Help Palmetto Project make the 2026 holiday season a little brighter for an unhoused family from Charleston County School District (CCSD) through our Families Helping Families of the Lowcountry (FHFL) program!
You are invited to “adopt” a Charleston County School District (CCSD) family experiencing homelessness.
When you adopt a family, you will provide gifts and necessities tailored to their individual family wishlists and needs.
All participating families are CCSD students and their family members served through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
- Under McKinney-Vento, homelessness includes situations in which children or youth lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This can include families temporarily sharing housing with others because of housing loss or economic hardship, living in hotels or motels, staying in emergency or transitional shelters, or living in places not intended for regular habitation.
- The families participating in this holiday program are referred and approved by CCSD staff members. This helps ensure that families receiving support are currently being served by the district and have been identified as eligible for McKinney-Vento services.
- Students may range in age from Pre-K to 12th grade. Their family members may include siblings, parents/guardians/caregivers.
What Does It Mean to Adopt a Family?
Once you are matched with a family, you will receive information about the family members and their holiday needs and/or wishes. You can then shop for gifts and other items that will help make the holidays special.
- Please plan to spend around $125 per person in the family. You are welcome to provide a combination of gifts, clothing, necessities, and other appropriate items based on the information provided about your family.
- Gift cards are also welcome and greatly appreciated! Grocery store gift cards can help families purchase food for a special holiday meal, diapers and other necessities, or items they may need throughout the holiday season.
- Important Dates
- Late October 2026: Family assignments will be distributed to participating community members.
- November 2026 to early December 2026: Community members will have the opportunity to shop for their assigned families.
- Mid-December 2026: Gifts and other items will be collected and distributed to families.
- Stay tuned for drop-off location & dates!
Thank you for helping us create a meaningful holiday experience for CCSD families! Your kindness and generosity will provide not only needed items, but also a reminder to families in our community that they are seen, valued, and supported this holiday season.
Palmetto Project is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization [Federal Tax ID No. 57-0807801], operating under the laws of the state of South Carolina.