The holidays should be a magical, wondrous time for children.
But this year in America, thousands of children and families will be spending the holiday behind bars — because they crossed the United States border seeking protection.
In an effort to bring hope and light to thousands of migrants in the United States, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has launched its fifth-annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. The program collects cards and gifts for distribution at migrant detention centers across the country and at shelters along the border, reminding individuals and families that they are not forgotten during the holiday season.
Donate to help us purchase gifts for children in detention.
Download the 2019 card-writing toolkit to use at your events!
Sign up to receive updates on the launch of the 2019 campaign.
To ensure delivery to children and families in time for the holidays, cards and donations must be sent in by Dec. 16, 2019. Donations for children’s gifts can be received up to Dec. 21, 2019.
Last year, volunteers distributed 12,353 cards to migrant families in detention centers across the country, as well as to individuals and families who were recently released from detention. Notably, the campaign provided more than 1,500 children’s gifts – enough for every single migrant child in family detention centers in the country to open a special present over the holiday season.
Learn how you can make a real difference to these vulnerable families — whether it’s writing cards, visiting a detention center, raising funds or more. You’ll learn from experts about the current state of immigration issues in America and hear from volunteers about their experience with Hope for the Holidays activities last year.