HOLIDAY WISH 2025

Help us grant a Holiday Wish for a child or teen in the care of Franklin County Children Services. For more than 60 years, Holiday Wish has been one of Central Ohio's most popular gift-granting programs. Because of your support, children receive more than gifts - they have an experience with their families that they will never forget. You can help us provide gifts for thousands of youths and add a little more magic to the holiday season. 

Here’s how you can help:

This special opportunity allows donors like you to sponsor youth and/or sibling group in our care or custody by providing unique gifts chosen by them, often reflecting their interests, culture, and needs. Wish Granter opportunities are limited. New this year, each sponsored youth is now allotted $100 (up from $60). This change better aligns with current prices and provides for dignity and equity across ages and our new expanded categories (including footwear, room décor, and tech-connected items). 

To become a Wish Granter and sponsor a youth and/or sibling group, please complete the sign-up form: Wish Granter Sign-Up 

Donate to the Children’s Fund

Our Franklin County Children’s Fund includes several focused funds that support young people year-round. This season, we invite you to give directly to the Holiday Wish Children’s Fund to power our holiday efforts. 

How your donation supports Holiday Wish: 

• Gift cards for teens & young adults so they can choose items that fit their size, style, and needs with dignity. 
• Family Shopping Experience support, supplementing our in-house store where parents and caregivers select gifts directly for their children. 
• Filling critical gaps in priority items such as shoes, winter coats, STEM kits, age-appropriate electronics, and bikes. 

Donate now to the Holiday Wish Children’s Fund: [Give Online] 

Donate Any New Toy

We welcome any new toy donation (unwrapped so we can track it). If you need inspiration, check out our Toy Suggestion List for this year’s most-requested items. Click here for a downloadable list of popular toy ideas. 

You can donate toys in two easy ways:  

• Click here to shop our Amazon Wish List and have your donation sent directly to our workshop. (Be sure to select “This is a gift” so you can include a special message and your contact information—allowing us to send a thank-you note!)
• Drop off donations at our Holiday Wish Workshop (855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223).  

Holiday Wish is open for donations now through Friday, December 20 

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on November 27-28) 

Saturday, December 6 & December 13: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM  

Sunday, December 7 & December 14: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM  

Your business or organization can hold a toy drive this season and help us bring joy to children in our care or custody.

Click here to host a toy drive now through December 5. Toy Drives are eligible for Holiday Wish Posters and gift tags for trees! Pick up is also available for eligible Toy Drives, otherwise all items must be delivered to our 855 W. Mound Street location by December 20.

If you are hosting a toy drive, download a General Holiday Wish Poster or a Customizable Holiday Wish Poster you can print in your office (17”x11” paper).” 

We’re excited to provide volunteer opportunities for both individuals and organizations to get involved. Volunteers are essential in organizing the shelves, cleaning, and sorting toys to help us connect every youth with a special gift during the holiday season.

Important Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Volunteers will not be assisting families directly. The focus will be on behind-the-scenes activities to help keep the operation of the Holiday Wish program running smoothly.

Sign up for a Volunteer Shift(s): Holiday Wish Volunteer Sign Up

For more information about Holiday Wish, contact the Holiday Wish team at holidaywish@fccs.us  or 614-275-2525.