The holiday season can be especially challenging for families facing childhood cancer. Long clinic days, hospital stays, financial strain, and the emotional toll of treatment can make holiday traditions feel overwhelming.
At Candlelighters, our goal is to help families experience comfort, connection, and joy—no matter where they are in their cancer journey.
Thanksgiving Meals: Supporting 140 Families This Season
Preparing a Thanksgiving meal is often difficult for families in treatment. This year, Candlelighters will provide 140 families with complete Thanksgiving meals so they can focus on what matters most: time together. Whether a family is spending the holiday at home or in the hospital, this support helps them feel seen, cared for, and remembered by their community.
Adopt-a-Family: 134 Families Matched for Holiday Gifts
Our Adopt-a-Family program brings holiday magic to families by matching them with generous donors who provide gifts tailored to each child. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, all 134 families in this program have already been matched for the upcoming holiday season.
Holiday Gift & Toy Drive: Supporting Families Beyond Treatment
For families more than four years post-diagnosis, who may no longer qualify for Adopt-a-Family but still need support, our Holiday Gift & Toy Drive ensures their children experience the joy of the season. These gifts help ease financial stress and bring happiness to families who continue to navigate the long-term challenges of survivorship.
And the impact reaches far beyond December. Donations help support kids throughout the year during hospital visits, birthdays, and “No More Chemo” celebrations.
Donations accepted Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm through December 19th. We especially need:
- Gift cards for teens (Amazon Wish Link)
- Toys for toddlers to age 18 (Amazon Holiday Wish List)
The Heart of the Season
Every toy donated, every meal provided, and every act of kindness carries the same message: You are not alone.
Our families show remarkable strength every day, and your generosity helps brighten a season that can otherwise feel heavy. Thank you for helping Candlelighters bring light, hope, and connection to families facing childhood cancer this season and all year long.
