CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – 'Tis the season to spread a little holiday cheer throughout Cuyahoga County. The Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is excited to kick off its annual Holiday Giving Program. HHS invites everyone in the community to support children, families, and older adults during the holiday season.

"The holidays are a wonderful time of year, and we're excited to help create memorable moments for our children, families, and older adults," said HHS Director David Merriman. "We invite everyone—residents, businesses, and organizations—to join us in making this season special for those in need."

There are three ways to give this holiday season:

Hope for the Holidays

Hope for the Holidays is an annual gift program for children and teens in foster care.

How to participate:

• Purchase a new gift from our Amazon or Target wish lists, or select a toy, game, or book from a retailer of your choice.
• Schedule a gift drop-off through our Outreach Team at DCFSOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov or by calling 216-881-4150.

Checks can be made payable to DCFS Hope for the Holidays and mailed to:

Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services
Outreach Department
3955 Euclid Ave. JEH 350 E
Cleveland, OH 44115

The donation deadline is Friday, December 6.

Adopt-A-Family

Through Adopt-A-Family, participants can "adopt" a local kinship family for the season.

How to participate:

• Participants are matched with a family by completing the Adopt-A-Family application
• Once matched with a family, participants will be asked to purchase, wrap, and label gifts, spending at least $75 per child and $75 for a family gift.

Drop-off dates will be provided.

Elves for Elders

The Elves for Elders initiative ensures that older adults in Cuyahoga County are remembered during the holidays.

How to participate:

• Send an email to Daphne James at Daphne.Kelker@jfs.ohio.gov who will reply with specific gift items to purchase.

Gifts can be dropped off now through December 6 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at:

Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services
13815 Kinsman Road
Cleveland, OH 44120

Please do not wrap gifts; only use gift bags.

Visit our website for more information on our Holiday Giving Programs.

Photo and Graphics Gallery courtesy Cuyahoga County Communications.