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How do you choose the families?
Families are referred by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools counselors and social workers, who know their students and identify those with the greatest needs. All recipient families remain anonymous to protect their privacy and dignity.
Can I sponsor a child with a friend or family member?
Absolutely! Many people enjoy sponsoring a child together. Sharing the wish list with a friend, grandparent, scout troop, small group, or another family is a wonderful way to reduce the cost while giving more people the opportunity to participate.
What if I can’t attend the Mingle Jingle?
No problem!
Simply drop off your unwrapped donations anytime before December 13, or have items shipped directly to the North Pole through our Amazon Wish List.
Our elves will make sure everything is sorted, packaged, and delivered to the right child.
👉 See our Delivering Donations page for complete drop-off instructions.
How much should I plan to spend when sponsoring a child?
Our hope is that every sponsored child receives:
An outfit
A warm coat or jacket
Shoes
At least one gift from their wish list
Many sponsors also include pajamas, socks, underwear, books, or additional wish list items.
Most sponsors spend between $50 and $200, but every gift makes a difference. Please give what feels comfortable for your family.
Why don’t you wrap the gifts?
For several years, our volunteers wrapped every gift. While doing so, we began wondering if parents might enjoy knowing what their children were receiving and having the opportunity to wrap the presents themselves.
In 2019, we piloted a new approach by providing wrapping paper, tape, bows, gift tags, and other wrapping supplies along with each family’s gifts. Parents loved the idea because it allowed them to experience the joy of preparing Christmas for their children while preserving the excitement of Christmas morning.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve continued that tradition ever since.
Should I include receipts?
If possible, yes! Receipts are helpful in case clothing or shoes need to be exchanged for a different size.
However, if you don’t have them, don’t worry. It’s completely optional.
Do you have tips for shopping with my own children?
Yes! This is one of our favorite parts of Hope Tree Project.
Instead of simply buying gifts, involve your children in the experience.
Read the child’s wish list together.
Talk about how exciting it will be for another child to receive these gifts.
Let your child help choose colors, toys, or books.
Encourage them to compare sizes with their own clothing or shoes to make the experience more relatable.
Ask, “If this were you, what would make you feel loved?”
Let them help check off the list as you shop.
Many families tell us that sponsoring a Hope Tree child has become one of their favorite holiday traditions. It teaches generosity, gratitude, empathy, and the joy that comes from helping someone else.
Our hope is that your family leaves with something even more valuable than the gifts you purchased—a heart that is a little bigger because you shared hope with a neighbor. See the Kids' Corner for more.
Still have questions?
We’d love to help!
Please reach out through our Contact Us page, and one of our elves will be happy to answer your questions.
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