Volunteer For A Cause: Families and Businesses Needed this Holiday Season

Spreading holiday cheer through volunteering with Christmas Wish is a meaningful way to give back and start a new tradition this season. The program offers various ways for businesses, schools, and families to get involved, including filling "wish letters" and organizing donations. Participants can help ensure that struggling families experience the joy and warmth of the holidays by providing toys, essentials, and festive meals.

Whether you're contributing through donations, hosting fundraisers, or volunteering your time, your efforts will make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate. This is an excellent opportunity to foster community spirit, create lasting memories, and share the reason for the season with others.

HOW TO SUPPORT CHRISTMAS WISH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

There’s no better feeling than helping those in need during the holiday season. While adopting a family, donating toys, or giving money may not always be possible, especially when times are tough, there are still plenty of ways to get involved with the Christmas Wish program. One of the most valuable contributions you can make is offering your time. Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference and bring holiday joy to those in need.

CHRISTMAS WISH IS NOW OPEN!

We’re excited to announce that we're located at Towne Square North in Owensboro, in the former Shoe Stop location next to Big Lots. A heartfelt thank you to the owners and stores at Towne Square North for their incredible generosity and unwavering support of our mission. We couldn’t do it without their commitment, and we look forward to continuing our work in this wonderful community!

We're open Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 6 PM and Saturday from 11 AM until 4 PM. Come see us!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER

When you volunteer at Christmas Wish, you become a vital part of a community effort to bring joy and support to families in need during the holiday season. You'll have the chance to read heartfelt wish letters, learn about hardships families face, and feel the emotional impact of making a real difference. You'll likely shed a few tears, but you'll also walk away with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing your efforts have brightened someone’s holiday and made their season a little brighter.

Here's what typically happens when you volunteer:

1. Reason for the season. Catch the true spirit of Christmas knowing you're putting smiles on children's faces on Christmas day. You'll read the wish letters, hear about their needs, cry a little, and walk away knowing you've made a difference in somebody's life.

2. Become a volunteer elf. Christmas Wish recruits volunteers from all across the region, and volunteering in Santa's Workshop is a fantastic opportunity for families or businesses to get involved. As a volunteer, you'll read heartfelt wish letters and help grant wishes by "shopping" from the hundreds of toys in the workshop. It’s a fun and rewarding experience where you can directly bring joy to children and families in need, all while creating lasting memories with those you volunteer alongside.

3. It's a family affair! Does your child receive everything they ask for during Christmas? Do they enjoy a warm Christmas meal? By volunteering with Christmas Wish as a family, you have the opportunity to teach your children the true meaning of the season—giving back. Helping those less fortunate not only brings joy to others but can also be a life-changing experience for your child, instilling values of compassion, gratitude, and generosity that will last a lifetime.

In short, volunteering at Christmas Wish is about more than just donating time—it's about building connections, spreading holiday cheer, and helping families experience a brighter, more joyful season.

HOW TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER?

We always need volunteers at Christmas Wish during the holiday season, but did you know that each year we also set aside special days or nights for families and businesses (15 or more people) to come and volunteer together? Some groups bring pizza and turn it into a fun outing, while business employees bond over the shared goal of giving back. Every volunteer makes a difference, helping over 8,000 children experience a magical Christmas morning.

If you have a business or family that would like to reserve a spot, we would love to have you! To inquire about available dates and times, please email barb@wbkr.com. Christmas Wish is truly a magical place to volunteer, and we can’t wait to see you there!

MOST POPULAR TOYS ON KIDS' WISH LISTS THIS SEASON

Here are the top toys and gifts kids hope to receive this holiday! As we move closer to Christmas, the list reflects the most requested items from children in our community. Some items are trending strongly, and we’ve identified the ones in HOT demand:

ARTS & CRAFTS (HOT)
AXE SETS/ADIDAS SETS FOR TEENS (HOT)
BIGGER BABY DOLLS/SETS (HOT)
BARBIES (HOT)
BASKETBALLS
BIKES (ANY SIZE) (HOT)
BLANKETS (HOT)
BLUEY (HOT)
BOARD GAMES
COCOMELON
DINOSAURS (HOT)
EARBUDS/HEADPHONES/SPEAKERS (HOT)
FISHING
FOOTBALLS
FORTNITE (HOT)
GAMING HEADPHONES
HOT WHEELS (HOT)
LEARNING TOYS/LEAP FROG, VTECH, FISHER PRICE (HOT)
LEGOS (HOT)
LOL SURPRISE
MICKEY
MINECRAFT
MINNIE
MY LIFE DOLLS
NERF GUNS (HOT)
PAW PATROL
PJ MASK
POKEMON
REMOTE CONTROL VEHICLES (HOT)
ROBLOX
SCOOTERS
SENSORY TOYS
SOCCER
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
SPIDERMAN
SQUISHMELLOWS
SUPER MARIO
TEEN ROOM DÉCOR
UNICORNS
XBOX GAMES

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If you're shopping this season, be sure to keep an eye out for these HOT items that are in high demand! Whether it's one of these popular toys or other essential gifts, each donation makes a difference in spreading holiday cheer. Thank you for supporting the Christmas Wish mission!

READ MORE: KROGER PLUS CARD EARNS MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS WISH

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HOW TO DONATE TO CHRISTMAS WISH?

Your contributions to Christmas Wish are vital, as the program operates on an annual budget of just $500 to $800. Every individual involved volunteers their time, and we’re fortunate to have our space, signage, and other essentials generously donated. Local restaurants even provide meals for our volunteers throughout the season!

When you donate, you’re directly helping children in need, ensuring they receive the joy and warmth of the holiday spirit. Your support makes a meaningful impact in our community, bringing smiles to those who need it most. Together, we can create a brighter Christmas for all!

CHRISTMAS WISH MISSION

Since 1976 Christmas Wish has been “MAKING SURE EVERY CHILD IN THE TRI-STATE GETS A VISIT FROM SANTA”. You can make a profound difference in the lives of others and embrace the true spirit of Christmas by giving back to those in need. Your generosity not only spreads joy but also reinforces the values of compassion and community. Let’s create a brighter, more hopeful holiday for everyone!

As we celebrate our 48th Anniversary Season of Christmas Wish, let’s take a moment to reflect on the record-breaking success of the 2023 season. Together, we achieved incredible milestones and brought joy to countless families in our community. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and here’s to making this year even more memorable!