Holiday Giving
Bring the joy of the season to children who need it most — every gift makes a world of difference.
Help us Share the Holiday Spirit
The holidays should be filled with warmth, wonder, and joy — but for many children in foster care, that magic can feel out of reach. Through Project KARE’s Holiday Giving programs, our community comes together to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and remembered. From heartfelt gifts to cheerful stockings, each donation helps brighten the season for children and teens across Stark County.
Adopt-A-Child
Bring joy to a child’s holiday through our Adopt-A-Child program! Donors “adopt” a child or sibling group and provide gifts from their personalized wish list, which includes the child’s first name, age, gender, clothing sizes, and special items they hope to receive.
The recommended gift value is $50–$75, typically covering an outfit and a special toy, though donors are welcome to give additional items if they wish. Each child also receives a large labeled bag for their wrapped gifts.
Gifts can be dropped off at the agency by December 13th, or volunteers can arrange a convenient pick-up time.
🎁 Make a child’s holiday brighter – Adopt a Child Today!
Adopt-A-Teen
Help make a teen’s holiday special through our Adopt-A-Teen program! Donors can provide a $50 Walmart or Target gift card to an individual teen or make a tax-deductible donation toward purchasing gift cards for multiple teens.
If you adopt an individual teen, you’ll receive an envelope with the teen’s first name, age, and gift card choice. Simply place the gift card inside and either mail it back or drop it off at the agency.
Monetary donations can also be mailed by check payable to Project KARE at: 402 2nd Street SE, Canton, OH 44702
🎁 Brighten a teen’s holiday – Adopt a Teen Today!
Stocking Stuffers
Spread holiday cheer by helping a child through our Stocking Stuffers program. Donors or organizations receive clear plastic bags with a “stocking” imprinted on them. You may use the bags as the stocking or place an actual stocking inside each bag.
Each bag comes with a label listing the child’s age and gender, and you can indicate how many stockings you’d like to fill in each category.
🎁 Bring a smile to a child’s holiday – Fill a Stocking Today!
Donation Drives
Make the holidays brighter for vulnerable children in Stark County Children Services! Organizations can host drives to collect new toys, games, and essential items for children of all ages—especially infants and teens.
In addition to toys, we welcome donations of hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, socks, pajamas, and underwear to help keep children warm during the winter months. Project KARE will provide custom flyers with your organization’s logo to share with employees and promote your drive.
🎁 Make a difference this holiday season –
"I've never seen such an act of kindness—I don't know how to express my gratitude. You are an angel ~ Christmas miracles do happen."
- Comment from family who received assistance from Project KARE
Love That Comes Full Circle
"Stark County Children Services holds a dear spot in our families hearts. I was placed in foster care as a child. As an adult, I made the decision to care for two boys that I have since adopted after reunification was not possible. My children made the decision this year they wanted to put half of their Christmas to good use and help children that could use some extra attention while they adjust to their new surroundings in foster care. This experience has truly brought a lot of joy and happiness to all of us and we look forward to continuing to do our part."
— The Bain Family
