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Forsyth County Department of Social Services is delivering Christmas early with the help of 34 sponsors who donated presents to make sure 250 youth in the agency’s custody receive gifts this year.

A long-standing tradition coordinated by the department’s Foster Home Licensing Team, the Christmas drive lets local businesses and individuals sponsor a child. The gifts help give the children a sense of normality during a tumultuous time in their lives. Due to the pandemic, Social Services staff wanted to let sponsors do their shopping early this year. It also lets social workers deliver the gifts earlier, with all the presents expected to be delivered by Thanksgiving.

Children in DSS custody, who may be staying with relatives, in foster homes or at group homes, make a list of three gifts they want. Sponsors then buy the gifts on the wish lists, which do not include the child’s name to protect their privacy. The initiative embodies the Foster Home Licensing Team’s slogan of “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

“During the holiday season, it’s always refreshing to see our community support the needs of children in foster care,” said John Thacker, director of the Family & Children’s Division at FCDSS. “In addition to supporting children, many of our sponsors also provide food to families in need. We are blessed to have so many community partners that are supportive of our children and families during the holiday season.”

Those interested in becoming sponsors for next Christmas can call 336-703-2445.