For over 15 years, the Chatham County Department of Social Services in North Carolina has provided support during the holiday season for children and families in the Chatham County community. In 2021, the community provided holiday gifts and support to around 400 children, making their wishes come true. This outpouring of caring and support was incredible and awe-inspiring.

In an effort to benefit the community even more, Chatham County DSS has developed a sister program called Christmas Dreams to support the needs of elderly and disabled adults in Chatham County. The Christmas Dreams program fulfills wishes of adults served through the various programs within the adult services unit. The Adult Services Unit strives to ensure the health, safety and well-being of numerous elderly and disabled adults in Chatham County. They serve as legal guardian for an ever-increasing number of adults who are unable to care for themselves and have few financial resources.

To learn more about sponsoring children through the Christmas Wishes Program or adults in need through the Christmas Dreams Program this holiday season, read on for more details!

Christmas Wishes for Children

Each eligible child will provide Chatham DSS with specific wishes (approx. $50), as well as indicate which of the ‘general gift’ categories interest them the most. The program will ensure that each child receives their ‘wish’ item(s). Additional gift items will come from their preferred ‘general gift’ categories with a goal of approximately $100 worth of gifts per child – this will be dependent on the number of children in need and amount of community sponsorship. Donors may be individuals or groups; simply share with the program the dollar amount you hope to sponsor, and you will be matched accordingly. Please know that even the smallest donation is welcomed! Please contact Chatham County DSS early to sponsor through:

Direct Matching – Chatham County DSS begins matching sponsors with children by the end of October and continues to do so as children are added to the program on an ongoing basis.

Monetary Contribution – Financial gifts are accepted for the Christmas Wishes program. These contributions are used to serve the needs of children both during the holidays and throughout the year. If you wish to make a monetary contribution, please send a check payable to Chatham County DSS Foster Children’s Fund to PO Box 489, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Please only fulfill wishes with new items; used items, even those in good condition are not accepted. Gifts are to be brought to the agency UNWRAPPED.

Drop Off

Sponsors will drop off all donations and gifts at the Christmas Cottage drive-thru event. The Christmas Cottage Cruise Thru (for reduced contact or prolonged exposure in tight quarters) will occur on Thursday, December 8^th (4pm – 7pm), Friday, December 9^th (8a – 6p) and Saturday, December 10^th (8a – 12p) at the Chatham County Performance Building (964 East St, Pittsboro). All gifts must be dropped off at Christmas Cottage during dates/times above. Reminders will be sent out in November.

How to Reach the Christmas Wishes Program for Children

To provide your support to the Christmas Wishes program this year please contact Chatham County DSS in one of the ways outlined below.

1. Complete a Sponsor Pledge Form *preferred method
2. Call (919) 213-0611 – leave a message with your name & contact number
3.  Email Donate2christmaswishes@gmail.com and include the following information:

• Name (or the name of your group/business & primary contact person)
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Approximate dollar amount you are committing to sponsor
• Any preferences for consideration during the matching process

Christmas Dreams for Adults

The Christmas Dreams program fulfills the wishes of adults served through the various programs within the Chatham County Department of Social Services’ Adult Services Unit. The Adult Services Unit strives to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of numerous elderly and disabled adults in Chatham County, NC. They serve as legal guardian for an ever-increasing number of adults who are unable to care for themselves. Many live in group care facilities and due to lack of funding, are unable to purchase basic personal care items.

How you can help

Consider sponsoring adults through the Christmas Dreams program. Share information about the program with friends, family & coworkers, and help expand the support network even further. Below are details of how the program will work this year to best serve the adults of Chatham County. Please reach out early to pledge your support through:

Direct Matching – Matching sponsors with adults will begin by the middle of October. Wishlist’s specific to individual adults will be provided as efficiently as possible.

Donation of Personal Care Items – Many adults have difficulty purchasing basic care items, such as body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. due to living on a fixed income. The Adult Services Unit keeps a stock of such items to be able to distribute to clients throughout the year. Donations of new personal care items are a critical component of the Christmas Dreams Program. Used items, even those in good condition are not accepted. All gifts should arrive to the agency UNWRAPPED.

Monetary Contribution – Financial assistance is also accepted for the Christmas Dreams Program. These contributions are used to serve the needs of adults both during the holidays and throughout the year. If you wish to make a monetary contribution, please send a check payable to: Chatham County DSS Adult Services Fund to PO Box 489, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Drop Off

Sponsors will drop off all donations and gifts at the Christmas Cottage drive thru event on Thursday, December 8th (4p – 7p), Friday, December 9th (8a – 6p) and Saturday, December 10th (8a –12p).

How to Reach the Christmas Dreams Program for Adults

To provide your support to the Christmas Dreams Program this year please contact us in one of the ways outlined below.

1. Complete a Sponsor Pledge Form *preferred method
2. Call (919)704-2644 and leave a message with your name & contact number
3. Email chathamchristmasdreams@gmail.com with your:

• Name (or the name of your group/business & primary contact person)
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Sponsor Preference (direct sponsorship or donation of personal care items)