Help brighten a foster child's holiday by participating in DCS's Giving Tree Program

PHOENIX, AZ (October 19, 2021)

It’s the holiday season.

Imagine you are a foster child waking up in a strange bed, in a house full of people you don’t know.

You have no idea what’s going to happen next or when you will see your parents again.

You wonder, does this family celebrate my holiday? Will Santa be able to find me? Will I get presents this year?

Or imagine that you are a teenager without parents.

You have aged out of foster care and do not have a family of your own.

You are working and going to college, but money is tight, and you wonder how you are going to afford some of the necessities for your new apartment.

It would be nice to know that you are not forgotten.

These scenarios represent the circumstances for thousands of children in foster care right here in our state.

How your business can make a difference in a child’s life this holiday season.

Kids in care need to know how much the community cares about them.

Every year, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) partners with Arizona businesses through its Giving Tree Program.

The program provides an opportunity for members of the community to give back by purchasing gifts for children in foster care.

Participating businesses receive a set of Giving Tree leaves that can be hung on a holiday tree in a business office or lobby.

A virtual Giving Tree option is also available.

Each leaf contains a child’s name, age, gender, clothing size, and wish list item.

Employees or clients can remove a leaf from the tree and purchase gifts with that child in mind.

DCS will make arrangements to pick up the items. Then, the gifts will be delivered directly to the children through their DCS Specialist.

Last year, 66 businesses and community partners from across the state donated roughly $250,000 in gifts for over 2,400 children in foster care through the Giving Tree Program.

If you would like to participate in the Giving Tree or explore other ways to get involved, please email us at [email protected].