Holiday Hope Logo
  • Shop for a Child or Youth. Host a Drive. Make Hope Happen.

    Shop for a Child or Youth. Host a Drive. Make Hope Happen.

    The greatest gift isn't what's inside a box. It's the power to choose.

  • This holiday season, you can help bring joy, dignity and choice to children, youth and families supported by Durham Children's Aid Society.

    Through our Holiday Hope Family Shop, caregivers can personally select gifts for their children at no cost, creating meaningful holiday moments made possible by people like you.

    Whether you're shopping for one child, bringing a group together to support several children, or organizing a holiday gift drive, there's a place for you in Holiday Hope.

    Our Family Shop opens December 10, so we kindly ask that donations arrive before then whenever possible, allowing our team time to prepare for families.

    Ready to make someone's holiday brighter? Tell us how you'd like to get involved below.

  • Let's Get Started!

  • How would you like to participate in Holiday Hope 2026?*

  • Groups

  • Which best describes your group?

  • Holiday Hope Drive

  • What would you like to collect for your Holiday Hope Drive?
  • When will your Holiday Hope Drive take place? Please select your anticipated start and end dates. Our Holiday Hope Family Shop opens December 9. We kindly ask that all donations be delivered before then whenever possible, allowing our team time to receive, sort and prepare gifts for families.
    • Choose Who You’d Like to Shop For This Holiday Season 

    • Each age group represents real families we’re preparing for this season. When all children in a category have been supported, that group will display All Matched – Thank You!

    • Infants (0–12 months)
    • Toddlers & Preschoolers (1–5 years).
    • Children 6-12 years)
    • Teens/Youth (13-18 years)

    • More Information

    • Shopping Guidelines  

    • Thank you for helping make the holidays special for children and youth in Durham Region.

      When shopping for each child or youth you've selected, please include:

      Something to Wear
      Pajamas, a cozy outfit, hoodie or warm accessories.

      Something to Do
      A book, game, creative activity, sports item or something they'll enjoy.

      Something They Wish For
      A special gift they'll be excited to receive. Gift cards are especially welcome for older youth, giving them the freedom to choose.

      A $50 Grocery Gift Card
      Please include one $50 grocery gift card for every child or youth you're supporting, helping their family enjoy a special holiday meal.

    • Donation Drop-Off Details 

    • Holiday Hope Donation Drop-Off

      Thank you for helping us prepare the Holiday Hope Family Shop! To ensure every gift is received, sorted and ready for families, we ask that all donations be dropped off by appointment.

      Location: Oshawa, Ontario (exact location to be confirmed)

      Drop-Off Dates: December 1–9, 2026

      Regular Hours:
      9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (by appointment)

      Final Drop-Off:
      December 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

      A Few Important Details

      • All donation drop-offs must be scheduled in advance.
      • We encourage donations before December 9 whenever possible, giving our team time to prepare the Shop for families.
      • Need an earlier drop-off? Please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
      • Our final drop-off window closes at 12:30 p.m. on December 9. The afternoon will be dedicated to final Shop preparations.

      Thank you for helping us make opening day special for families!

    • Charitable Tax Receipts  

    • Charitable Tax Receipts

      If you'd like to request a charitable tax receipt for your gift purchases, please keep your original purchase receipts.

      A few things to remember:

      • Keep receipts for donated items, including gift cards.
      • Where possible, purchase Holiday Hope gifts separately from your personal shopping.
      • You'll be asked to upload copies of your receipts as part of our donation documentation process.
      • If you're shopping as a group, please use our Group Donation Excel Form or the online submission link provided to record individual contributions.

      Our team will review your documentation and confirm charitable receipting eligibility in accordance with CRA requirements.

      Thank you for helping us keep the giving process simple, accurate and accountable!

    • Prefer to Make a Financial Gift? 

    • Prefer to Make a Financial Gift?

      Want to make a difference but don't have time to shop? You can still be part of something special!

      Your generosity helps fill the Holiday Hope Family Shop with thoughtful gifts and meaningful choices, giving caregivers the joy of selecting something special for their children.

      What can your gift make possible?

      A donation of $150 reflects the suggested value of three thoughtful gifts for a child or youth, plus a $50 grocery gift card to help their family celebrate.

      Financial donations also allow us to respond where the need is greatest, supporting Holiday Hope, year-round priorities and the essential work of Durham Children's Aid Foundation.

      Make Your Holiday Hope Gift »

      Every gift, regardless of size, helps bring hope to children, youth and families in Durham. Thank you for being part of it!

    • Other Ways to Get Involved 
    • Would you like to learn about other Holiday Hope opportunities? Select all that interest you.
    • Your Commitment 
    • Thank you for making the holidays brighter! I/we commit to purchasing gifts for the children/youth I’ve selected or will contact the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation team if I’m unable to do so. I understand that gifts must be new, unwrapped, and labeled with age and gender.
    • Should be Empty: