Who we are

Holiday Hope Tree provides Christmas gifts for foster children in Pulaski County, Arkansas. We collect the wishes of children and connect donors to provide the children the best Christmas possible. This mission is not new. Here's some background: Our dream began in 2021 where two of our founding members, both foster parents, happened to be on the receiving end of gifts for foster children from the Department of Human Services (DHS). The foster mothers began inquiring and quickly learned that while DHS had the heart and desire to provide holiday gifts for the children, they didn't have the time or resources to do so. In their own ways, they did what they could to help the children in foster care during the holiday season. Then, in 2022, DHS connected the founding members of Holiday Hope Tree, thus giving official birth to this effort. That first year, amazing things happened! The group was able to provide gifts to over 300 children and teens in the Pulaski County foster care system, with the help of friends, family and local churches. In 2023, the list continued to grow to over 400 children and teens in foster care. The need continued to grow. In 2024, we provided gifts to 512 children and teens. Now that 2025 is upon us, and with this history of growth and obvious need, we created this necessary non-profit organization, to assist struggling families, providing help and hope to our children, teens and young adults in Pulaski County.

What we do

Every year “That Church” in Sherwood, Arkansas, generously donates their entire facility to Holiday Hope Tree, at no charge. They allow us to take over their space, filling it with gifts and many elves. Our volunteers take great pride in not only providing gifts, but do their best to provide the children their wishes. Through our online list collection process, we work with DHS Caseworkers and Foster Parents to collect specific lists from every child and teen. If a child wants a specific doll with a certain hair color, we seek to find a sponsor that will shop their precise list, or provide funds so we can shop for them. We collect clothing and shoe sizes for sponsors inclined to purchase new clothes in addition to a child’s toy wishes. It is very detailed work.

It truly takes a village

We couldn't do this work without our partners who eagerly host Holiday Hope Trees, composed of local churches of all denominations wanting to help; Christian, Jewish and Unitarians, for example. Small businesses have also supported us, providing Holiday Hope Tree wish lists to others, each representing a unique foster child. The Call helps collect gifts from individuals in West Little Rock at their resource center, eliminating a drive to Sherwood for our West Little Rock supporters. Holiday Hope Tree is a community organization that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We happily accept support from all and we have one goal – to make the children in foster care in Pulaski County feel seen, special and valued. It is incredibly difficult for a child to be away from their biological family during the holiday season. These gifts, curated just for them, brighten that day for them - and while exciting – their days are veiled with loss, uncertainty and sadness. The support our organization provides, means a great deal to the children, but also to their foster families. State funding is not available for holiday gifts for children in care. The monthly stipend to host a foster child in Arkansas is barely enough to provide monthly care, let alone extra holiday gifts. Many foster families have hearts of gold, wanting to provide for the children in their home, but they do not have the extra money.

How you can help

Hosting a tree at a church, business or event with Christmas wish lists really showcases the heart of our mission. This shows each child’s unique wish lists. Also, toy drives and gift card drives are crucial in supplementing as well. We use financial contributions from organizations and individuals to help purchase expensive gifts, such as: bikes, tablets or gift cards for young adults aging out of care (age 18-21). The average gift bundle is worth at least $300. If these are the only gifts a child receives, they will have a special Christmas morning. This year there are nearly 500 children in foster care in Pulaski County and that number continues to grow. With our 501c3 status we are seeking corporate sponsors to help us cover the costs of the pricier gifts. We also have a need for the purchase of gifts for children entering Pulaski County foster care between our gift pickup date of December 12th through Christmas Day. Every year we are astounded by our community, in how they wrap their generosity and love around our local foster children, teens and young adults. We are so excited to see what Christmas 2025 has in store!