Oklahoma Human Services launches ‘Holiday Hope’ initiative to support children and families in care

Annual campaign aims to bring festive joy to children in foster care

Oklahoma Human Services has launched its annual Holiday Hope initiative to bring festive cheer to children and families involved with the state’s child welfare system. The programme, now a well-established feature of Oklahoma’s holiday season, aims to ensure that every child in foster care experiences the warmth and generosity of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances.

Each year, the state agency collaborates with community groups and local organisations to collect and distribute gifts, donations and gift cards to thousands of young people across Oklahoma. The effort reflects a growing emphasis within US public service agencies on community partnership and corporate social responsibility during the festive period.

Community effort at the heart of the campaign

“The holiday season is a time of wonder, warmth, and joy – and every child deserves to feel its magic, no matter their circumstances,” said Michael Williams, Director of Child Welfare Services. “Through Holiday Hope, Oklahomans have an opportunity to show children in the child welfare system that they are cherished, seen, and deeply valued.”

Last year’s campaign saw gifts distributed to more than 5,000 children across the state, thanks to widespread public engagement and contributions from local businesses and volunteers. This year’s initiative follows the same model, supported by an interactive online map that helps donors identify their nearest local point of contact for participation.

Oklahoma Human Services officials say there are several ways to contribute, from donating funds to purchasing items directly from a child’s wish list. The agency has placed a particular emphasis this year on the donation of gift cards, which can be used to purchase items for children who enter the welfare system after the holiday deadlines have passed.

Partnership with Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

Central to the project’s delivery is a longstanding partnership with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), a non-profit organisation that works to improve outcomes for children across the state.

“The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is again honored to co-sponsor Holiday Hope with Oklahoma Human Services,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s chief executive officer. “Our work together over the years has helped to make the holidays brighter for Oklahoma’s children in foster care. It is a joy to be a part of this effort again this year.”

The programme’s organisers have made donating as simple as possible. Contributions can be made directly via an online portal at https://oica.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/holidayhope, and enquiries are directed to the dedicated email address: [email protected].

Gratitude for community support

Oklahoma Human Services Director Jeffrey Cartmell praised the generosity of residents and partner organisations that make the annual campaign possible.

“We are incredibly grateful for our community partners, donors and the organizations that consistently show up for our children and families, offering hope each holiday season,” he said. “No donation or act of kindness is too small to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.”

Beyond its seasonal focus, the agency has also used the campaign to highlight a wider, ongoing need for foster families across the state. Officials say the demand is particularly high for carers able to support large sibling groups, teenagers, and children with behavioural health needs — areas where the system continues to face pressure.

Encouraging families to foster

Families interested in fostering are encouraged to visit okfosters.org or call 1-800-376-9729 to learn more about the process of becoming a certified foster family.

The Holiday Hope initiative represents a collaboration between government and civic partners that mirrors broader trends in community engagement seen across US states. For many participants, the effort not only delivers gifts but also reinforces the sense of shared responsibility between public institutions and citizens.

Bringing hope this festive season

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, Oklahoma Human Services hopes to build on last year’s success and reach even more children in need of comfort and celebration. For those involved, the message remains simple — that compassion, generosity and community action can combine to create hope during the year’s most meaningful season.