Written by: Robyn Shulman
Holiday for Hope

Did you know the current estimated range for homeless children in the United States is between 1.6 million and 2.1 million? These figures include children living in shelters, doubled-up with relatives or friends, in transitional housing, or otherwise without a stable place to call home. In Illinois specifically, the number of people experiencing homelessness rose dramatically between 2006 and 2010, growing from roughly 30,000 to over 60,000.

Homelessness affects children from all backgrounds: inner-city neighborhoods, children of veterans, and even families from more affluent communities facing sudden hardship. Today more than 70% of children are considered at-risk in various ways, and the holidays can be especially difficult when stable shelter and basic necessities are missing.

Holiday for Hope, now in its 25th year, is an annual event organized by Dreams for Kids that brings hope, celebration, and support to children who are homeless or severely at risk. Each December, the program gathers more than 1,600 children from across Illinois for a full day of food, gifts, games, arts and crafts, music, sports and activities. The event is part of a larger global effort that reaches over 6,000 children worldwide, sharing the message that every child matters during the holiday season.

Origins and growth

The program began in 1989 when a small group of volunteers visited Clara’s House and were moved by the sight of 54 children sharing limited sleeping space, some doubled up on beds and others sleeping on the floor. The volunteers brought food, toys, and the spirit of the season—Santa included—and the result was immediate: the children felt seen, celebrated, and hopeful.

In the following years, Dreams for Kids expanded the reach of the program, visiting multiple shelters and eventually inviting children to a single central location so that more could participate in a meaningful, well-organized celebration. As the event grew, volunteers from many faiths and communities were invited to join, and the model spread to cities around the world.

Today Holiday for Hope stands as one of the largest holiday events of its kind, designed specifically to serve homeless and severely at-risk children. By bringing together children for a single, joyful day, the event offers a powerful combination of practical support—meals, toys and warm clothing—and emotional reinforcement: empowering children with moments of fun, creativity and connection.

What happens on Holiday for Hope?

The one-day event is carefully coordinated to offer a variety of activities for children of all ages. Typical elements include:

• Warm, nutritious meals served throughout the day.
• Gift distribution so each child receives new toys and necessities.
• Arts and crafts stations that encourage creativity and self-expression.
• Sports, music, games and performances that promote play and teamwork.
• Opportunities to meet caring volunteers and community members who offer encouragement.

Impact and how to help

Holiday for Hope is more than a single day of celebration; it creates lasting memories and signals to children and families that their community cares. The event also helps agencies and shelters connect families with ongoing resources and support systems.

There are many meaningful ways to support Holiday for Hope and similar efforts: volunteering on event day, donating toys, clothing and essential items, organizing local collection drives, or supporting organizations that provide stable housing and services to families in need. Volunteers with varied skills—from event logistics to arts instruction—play an essential role in delivering the day’s activities and making the experience warm and memorable.

A message of hope

The central aim of Holiday for Hope is simple and profound: to bring joy, dignity, and a renewed sense of possibility to children who are facing uncertainty. By focusing community energy, resources, and compassion into one day, the event helps transform a difficult season into an opportunity for connection and healing. For many children, a single day of kindness can plant the seeds of hope that influence their outlook for months and years to come.

If you are inspired by this work, consider reaching out to local shelters, youth organizations, or community foundations to learn more about how to get involved in holiday efforts or year-round programs that support homeless and at-risk children.