The Children’s Home has worked for 159 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
- Gifts should be unwrapped. Wrapped gifts waste resources and time, but donations of wrapping paper, bows and gift tags are appreciated!
- Please clearly label gifts with the intended recipients’ names, if applicable. However, please do not mark the gift directly with permanent marks.
- PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE: Toy guns, religious literature, used items, aerosol sprays, glass bottles, or homemade food products.
- Media gifts (e.g. books, comics, videos, video games) should be PG-13, PG, G, or comparable rating.
- Gifts can be dropped off at the Home during one of the drop-off days (see the “Drop-off Days” tab) or shipped directly to:
The Children’s Home
Attn: Wish List
205 Bloomsbury Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228
Please be sure to include your name and email address with any shipped packages so that we may send an acknowledgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Other than wish list items, what should I donate? Please consider donating a Cottage Gift, sponsoring a holiday activity, or becoming a Corporate Sponsor. We’ve included some gift suggestions on the “Gift Ideas” & “Other Ways to Give” tabs.
- Should I include batteries? Please do! We want to be sure your gifts can be enjoyed right away.
- Can I donate gift cards? Please do! Not only are these great for holiday gifts, any extras can be used as incentives for residents throughout the year.
- Are squirt/nerf guns allowed? We cannot accept donations of any style of toy gun.
- Can I write a personal note? Yes! However, please do not include your last name or contact information.
- Can I volunteer to help? There are a limited number of volunteer roles available. To sign-up, please see the “Volunteer Opportunities” tab.
- Can I give my gifts directly? To protect the privacy of the kids in our care, presents are distributed by staff.
- My question isn’t answered here. Who should I contact? Please contact Christy Page via email or 410-744-7310, ext. 132.
Drop-Off Days
To keep everyone healthy this holiday season, we ask that donations be delivered during one of the below Drop-Off delivery windows to Building J on our campus. Click here for directions.
- Saturday, December 3rd, 10a-1p
- Saturday, December 10th, 10a-1p
- Wednesday, December 14th, 4p-7p
- Saturday, December 17th, 9a-2p
- Wednesday, December 21st, 4-7p
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.
Other Ways to Give
Cottage Gifts
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.
- Video Game Systems (One of our PS5s met its demise, so we’d love to be able to replace that.)
- Ping pong table (For the Diagnostic Center)
- Raven’s Tickets
- Indoor basketball hoop (STURDY!)
- Sleds for the whole group (14 residents)
- Large TV (over 50″)
- Computer Desks/Stations
- Gaming Chairs
- Projector & Outdoor Movie Screen
- Pizza party / Ice Cream Social / Painting party
- Activity passes (e.g. skating, skiing, arcade, movie passes, sleigh ride, etc.)
Virtual Wish Lists
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: Please list your name and address in the gift note so that we can send a proper thank you letter.
Cash Donations
Lastly, please consider making a direct financial donation. This helps to cover extra activities and gifts, especially for those kids who come to us just days before the holiday. It also allows The Children’s Home to allocate funds to where they are really needed. Every dollar counts.
Gift Ideas
Suggested gift ideas:
- Gift Certificates / Cards: Walmart, Target, GameStop, Amazon, Roblox, McDonalds, Subway, Pizza, Forever 21, Foot Locker, Bath & Body Works, etc.
- Passes: movie theater, bowling, miniature golf, and skating
- Games & Toys for Teens: fidget toys, playing cards, battery-operated handheld games, remote-control cars
- Books, movies, or video games: should be PG-13, PG, G, or comparable rating.
- Hobby & Crafts: jewelry making or beading kits, diaries, model cars/planes, puzzles, sketch pads
- Small Electronics: portable music players, Bluetooth speakers and headsets, electronic handheld games
- Sports Equipment: baseball/softball gloves, basketballs, footballs, bikes, roller skates, scooters, and helmets
- Computers, laptops, tablets & software licenses: educational and games (non-violent)
- Personal Accessories: watches, wallets, jewelry, backpacks, and duffle bags.
- Bedding: comforters and bed sets in Twin XL
- Clothing: Hoodies, joggers, leggings, fun t-shirts, pajamas, etc. (adult sizes, please)
- Underclothes: Undershirts, nightwear, socks, underwear, bras, etc. (adult sizes, please)
- Footwear: socks, slippers, slipper-socks, shower shoes, crocs, and adidas-style athletic slides
- Outerwear: coats and jackets (adult sizes), umbrellas, windbreakers
- Toiletries: body wash, acne products, dental hygiene, shampoo & conditioner, hair accessories, etc. (Full-sized, plastic containers, please!)
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.
- Drop-off elf: Greet donors curbside to accept donations during evening and weekend shifts. Bring in and sort donations as appropriate. This role requires lifting and navigating many stairs.
- Sorting elf: UPDATE on 12/7: NO REMAINING SHIFTS FOR THIS ACTIVITY. Sort and review donations during short daytime shifts. This role requires lifting, navigating many stairs, and operating in close quarters.
- Wrapping elf: UPDATE on 12/7: NO REMAINING SHIFTS FOR THIS ACTIVITY. Help wrap presents in the days just before Christmas. This role requires patience, ability to operate in chaos/cluttered quarters, and navigating entry/exit stairs.
- ***Greetings elf: Sign up to make holiday greeting cards for each of our residents, using the names on our wish list page. This is a great activity for a group or organization. Please sign these cards with only your first name and do not include any contact information. These cards can be delivered during any Drop-Off Day.
- ***Stocking elf: UPDATE on 12/7: NO REMAINING SHIFTS FOR THIS ACTIVITY. Sign up to make personalized stockings for residents using the names on our wish list page. The stockings can be delivered during any Drop-Off Day.
- ***Community elf: Help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook and Instagram posts, sharing this flyer, or otherwise help to get the word out. (No sign-up required.)
***COVID-safer activities.
Questions? Please contact Christy Page via email.
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 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
Make a Donation to the Holiday Giving Program
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!