Statewide initiative brings communities together to provide gifts, holiday experiences and support for foster families
RALEIGH, N.C. — Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC) is launching its 2026 Holiday Hope initiative, bringing together businesses, churches, volunteers, and community partners to provide gifts and holiday experiences for foster and resource families across the state.
Through Holiday Hope, FFA-NC is organizing regional celebrations and coordinating community donations to help families feel supported during the holiday season. The initiative is expected to reach approximately 400 families and 1,000 children.
“The holidays should be a time when families feel supported and surrounded by community,” said Gaile Osborne, executive director of Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina. “Holiday Hope is about reminding foster and kinship families that they are not doing this alone. Every gift, donation, and volunteer who steps forward helps us create that sense of connection for families across our state.”
Communities Coming Together for Foster Families
Holiday Hope celebrations are being organized across North Carolina, including western North Carolina, the Charlotte region, the Triad, the Triangle, the Crystal Coast, and northeastern North Carolina.
Local churches, businesses, and volunteers are helping collect gifts, fulfill wish lists, and create holiday experiences for families. In some communities, these partnerships have supported families for several years. In others, this year marks the first time a regional celebration will take place.
The initiative also creates opportunities for North Carolinians who may not be able to foster to make a meaningful difference by donating, volunteering, or helping fulfill a child's holiday wish list.
How to Support Holiday Hope
Community members can support the initiative by making a financial contribution or purchasing gifts through regional Amazon wish lists.
Donations can be made at https://ffa-nc.networkforgood.com/projects/307726-holiday-hope.
The deadline for donations is December 18, 2026.
To learn more about Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina and its work supporting families statewide, visit https://www.ffa-nc.org/.
About Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina
Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC) is a family-led, nonprofit organization founded by foster parents 50 years ago. FFA-NC provides peer support, advocacy, training, and resources to foster, kinship, and adoptive families statewide. By elevating caregiver voices and driving system change, FFA-NC works to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in a safe, loving home. Learn more at https://www.ffa-nc.org/.
