PROGRAM

Christmas Programs

With your support, vulnerable Toronto families receive food, household needs, clothing, gift cards and toys to celebrate the joy of Christmas

What are the Christmas Programs?

Food for Christmas dinner. A new, warm jacket. A dreamed-of toy. Financial and gift donations help honour the spirit of Christmas so Catholic children, youth and families can joyfully celebrate the season too. You can choose from two Christmas Programs to help local families: the Adopt-a-Family program and the Christmas Donation program.

How it helps:

Register for Adopt-a-Family in Toronto to provide Christmas for kids and youth in care

Supported by donors to the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation, last year’s Adopt-a-Family program assisted 230 families being served by the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS), plus many more children and youth in care in those families. Donors who register for this program are anonymously matched with children and youth involved with child welfare. Donors receive a wish list of the needs and preferences of their match so, as a donor, you’ll see what will be most useful and appreciated. CCAS staff then deliver the gifts to each family before Christmas Eve. Register for the Adopt-a-Family Program to share the joy of the season by providing household essentials, clothing and new, unwrapped toys and books for vulnerable children and youth.

Two ways to help at-risk children and youth in Toronto through Christmas Donations

The Christmas Donation program which offers a holiday lunch and distributes donated items to support Catholic families going through a difficult time. To support the Christmas Donation for children, youth and families involved with the CCAS, simply drop off new, unwrapped toys, clothing, household items and other gifts at our offices at 2206 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto at scheduled times in December.

Or, you can make a financial donation; the Foundation pools funds to buy gift cards and other gift items. Register here to support the Christmas Donation program. Or you can make a secure donation today. Thank you for helping the Foundation support vulnerable Toronto Catholic children, youth and families at Christmas and beyond.

Your impact:

Thank you for helping provide families with Christmas essentials

Thanks to support for Christmas Programs by Toronto and GTA individuals, families, companies, churches, schools and community groups putting their faith in action, hundreds of children and youth in 230 families involved with the CCAS received Christmas essentials through the Foundation.

May I donate gently used items?

Unfortunately, no. We request that all gifts be new.

Are donated gifts eligible for a tax receipt?

Donated gifts are eligible for a charitable receipt under specific circumstances. Receipts for purchased gifts are received and verified. Click here to download the charitable tax receipt form and instruction sheet.

May I donate gift cards?

We recommend donating online so that we can pool together to buy gift cards in bulk.

Are there particular types of toys I should purchase?

We provide new toys and other gifts for children 0-12. We are always in need of Brown and Black dolls and action figures for both boys and girls. We discourage toy guns or other toys which promote violence.

What is the deadline to deliver my gifts by?

We request that donations be dropped off no later than December 13. This is to allow our staff to deliver the gifts to the families before Christmas day.

Where do I deliver toys and other gifts?

Drop-off location is at 2206 Eglinton Ave. East, Scarborough M1L 4S7.

This will allow the staff to deliver the gifts to the families in time for Christmas. Schedule of drop-off times can be viewed here.

Should I wrap the gifts?

Please do not wrap gifts. It is best to put each child’s gift into a large gift bag or supply the gift wrap for parents to wrap their children’s presents. Gift wrap and gift bags are always welcome; we never have enough.

How do the gifts get to the family?

CCAS staff delivery the gifts to their assigned families and children. We are committed to ensuring that all gifts are delivered to the family in time for the Christmas holiday.

May I meet the children and youth we are providing gifts for?

Unfortunately, due to confidentiality and privacy laws, this is not possible.

May I receive a thank you card from the children and youth who receive my gifts?

If you are participating to the Adopt-A-Family Program, every effort will be made to have a thank you card for every donor.

If you are participating to the Christmas Donations Program, due to the way in which toys and other gifts are distributed to children and youth, this is not possible. Families understand the gifts are donated and always are very grateful.

I have further clarifications about the program. How can I connect with the Foundation?

You can send us an email at [email protected] and we would be happy to reach out to you.