Harrison County DJFS seeks sponsors, donations to brighten Christmas for foster youth

The Harrison County Department of Job and Family Services has 32 youth in foster care this holiday season, and Director Deb Knight is urging residents to help ensure these children feel seen and valued at Christmas.

“One way people can help is by becoming a sponsor,” Knight said.

Sponsors may select the age and gender of the child they wish to support. They receive a Christmas list and shop for the items. Once shopping is complete, the gifts are delivered to the DJFS office, where staff wrap and distribute them to foster homes, group homes and treatment centers before Christmas.

Like the Angel Tree program, sponsors do not learn the child’s name, but their contribution still brings meaningful holiday joy.

For those not ready to sponsor a child but still wanting to help, the agency accepts donations year-round. Residents may drop off blankets, personal hygiene products, school supplies, coloring sets, journals and winter accessories at the DJFS office at 520 Main St. in Cadiz.

“Foster children love the same things that all kids like and need,” Knight said. “Teenage girls especially love teenage beauty products and clothes.”

Gift cards are especially welcomed.

“Our foster children love to shop and eat out. The older youth especially enjoy shopping for their own items and clothes,” Knight said. “While monetary donations are difficult for us to track and monitor, gift cards would be most welcomed. Children in our custody are often placed as far west as Columbus and as far north as Cleveland, so gift cards to any store or restaurant could be used.”

Gift cards may be delivered to the office and will be matched with a child based on need, interests and placement location.

Knight said gift donations are vital.

“Gifting for foster kids is all donation based, and while the county has not had to purchase gifts in recent years, it is always a concern,” she said.

She also noted the broader mission of the agency extends beyond the holidays.

“Our goal is always to strengthen the family and address the issues that led to removal and return the children to their families as soon as possible,” she said. “It is very difficult for foster children to be placed with strangers. The best option is to work with families and not remove the children, but that isn’t always possible. The agency tries to support the youth as much as possible and to make the holidays better for them.”

Residents interested in sponsoring a foster youth may contact the Social Services Unit at 740-942-2171 and speak with Tessa Culbertson or Tina Ray to be matched with a child. Ages of youth needing sponsors range widely, with most falling between 0-2 and 16-18.