The Children’s Home has worked for 160 years to ensure that the holidays are a happy time for the children in our care. Each child works with mentors and staff to complete a holiday wish list. New lists might be added during the course of the season as more children move into our Home.
Will you join us in this long-lasting tradition and share some joy with the kids who need it most?
Guidelines & FAQs
Please note: Residents at The Children’s Home range in age from 13 to 21.
Gift Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can’t be donated? To keep our youth safe and ensure every gift is appropriate, please do not donate the following:
Any type of toy gun, including Nerf, water, or foam guns
Glass, ceramic, or other breakable items
Toys intended for young children
Books, movies, or games with mature or adult content (rated for ages 18+)
Food that is not in its original, unopened packaging
Anything that could pose a safety hazard or isn’t age-appropriate for our residents
If you’re unsure whether an item is suitable, please reach out to Christy Page via email.
Drop-Off Days
We kindly ask that donations be delivered during one of the below Drop-Off delivery windows to Building J on our campus. Click here for directions.
Volunteers and staff will be available to accept your gifts curbside. If you cannot make one of these times, please call us during normal business hours to schedule a special drop-off session.
Volunteer Opportunities
Creating a holiday experience for so many kids takes a lot of love and a lot of work. Help make the holidays brighter by signing up to be a volunteer “elf.” We have several opportunities throughout the month of December, with differing activity levels. Please note that in-person volunteers must be age 12 or older, and that each volunteer ages 12-18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Questions? Please contact Christy Page via email.
Gift Ideas
Suggested gift ideas:
Other Ways to Give
The most impactful way to support our 2025 Holiday Giving Program is with a direct financial gift. Your donation helps provide extra activities and gifts, especially for youth who arrive just days before the holiday. It also allows The Children’s Home to allocate funds where they are most needed. Every dollar makes a difference; click here to make your donation.
Each cottage council met to ask for specific items for all of the residents to enjoy, please consider gifting the below items or activities. We can also create a package that fits your needs and budget. Contact Christy Page via email or at 410-744-7310 for more information.
To make it easier, please consider shopping from one of our online wish lists, which can ship gifts directly to The Children’s Home. NOTE: These retailers have stopped sharing donor information. Please register your shipped gift here so that we can send a proper thank you letter.
Corporate Giving
We invite your corporation to play a pivotal role in spreading joy to the children in our care. By becoming a corporate sponsor of our Holiday Giving Program, you’ll not only make a profound impact but also enjoy exclusive recognition that extends far beyond the holiday season.
As a corporate sponsor, you’ll have your logo and name prominently featured on our website, underlining your dedication to community and children’s well-being. Each sponsor will also receive a dedicated social media post, showcasing your commitment in a way that reaches countless hearts.
However, please note that there are only a limited number of sponsorship spots available. This is your chance to stand out as a holiday hero, so act swiftly to secure your position in our special program. Contact us today to learn more about our corporate sponsorship opportunities and be a part of the magic of giving back!
About The Home
The Children’s Home provides residential and community services to promote long-term well-being and success for vulnerable kids from across Maryland by giving them a safe and caring environment. With your help, we can continue to offer high-quality services to the kids who need them most.
Long-Term Residential Programs
VR, JR, FM, & Journeys Cottages – Extended group home for ages 13-20
Successful Starts – Semi-independent living for ages 16-20
Short-Term Residential Programs
Diagnostic Center – Crisis intervention for girls ages 13-19
Transitions – Diagnostic and therapeutic program for boys ages 13-17
When you give to The Children’s Home Holiday Giving program, you help us cover the cost of holiday activities and gifts, especially for those kids who come to us just days before the holiday. This also allows us to allocate funds to where they are most needed.
Whether it is to support activities, gifts, decorations, or basic needs, we will make sure your donation helps the kids in our care to have a holiday that SHINES!
