Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Brings Holiday Joy to Over 1,300 Children in Crisis

On a bustling Wednesday at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, volunteers and staff were busy opening boxes and sorting donations for the Holiday of Hope campaign, a heart‑warming effort that brings gifts to more than 1,300 children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or witnessed violence.

The Holiday of Hope Campaign

The Holiday of Hope initiative is a year‑long project that aims to relieve the financial strain on families facing crisis. By gathering donations and turning two large rooms into a free pop‑up store, the center offers caregivers a place to shop for Christmas gifts without cost. The program also provides each child with multiple presents—toys, books, games, blankets, bikes, and more—while ensuring siblings receive gifts as well.

A Director’s Passion

“This is my favorite time of year,” DCAC Director of Advocacy Services Hannah Counter said. “It injects so much joy into this space, and it is beautiful!” Counter’s enthusiasm reflects the center’s commitment to creating a festive atmosphere for children who have endured difficult circumstances.

The Scope of DCAC’s Work

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center helps more than 1,300 children who have been abused or neglected, or who have witnessed a violent crime. In many cases, the alleged perpetrator is the family’s primary or secondary income. Holiday of Hope is specifically designed to take the financial stress off a family in crisis.

Caregivers Retain Dignity

“It’s not the gift itself, but it is knowing that our caregivers get to retain their dignity,” Counter said. “Because they are the ones that are getting to put the gifts under the tree so that those kiddos can open those gifts on Christmas morning.” The director emphasizes that caregivers play a vital role in preserving a sense of normalcy for the children.

Dr. Hope Shepherd’s Perspective

Volunteer Dr. Hope Shepherd, a family medicine physician with Methodist Charlton, shared her personal connection to the program. “They live in a heavy world every single day of their lives, and so to open something that’s meaningful to say, you know, I want a toy, I want to pretend those are amazing things I want to keep alive in childhood,” Shepherd said. She often sees children in her exam room who may need referral to DCAC and carries that awareness into her volunteer work.

The Pop‑Up Store Experience

Every year, two large rooms at DCAC transform into a pop‑up store where caregivers can shop for Christmas items free of charge. The space is stocked with donated gifts, and volunteers assist shoppers in selecting items that will bring joy to their children. The process is designed to be welcoming and supportive, reflecting the center’s mission to ease the holiday burden.

Volunteer Efforts

Volunteers and staff spend the day opening boxes, sorting donations, and preparing gifts for distribution. Their work ensures that each child receives a thoughtful selection of presents, while also providing a sense of community for the caregivers who support them.

The Gift‑Giving Process

Each child receives multiple gifts, including toys, books, games, blankets, bikes, and more. Siblings also receive gifts, ensuring that the holiday celebration extends to the entire family. All gifts come from donations collected through DCAC’s wish lists, and local toy drives help gather additional contributions.

Injecting Normalcy

“I think for them our goal is to inject as much normalcy as possible, right? And yet, this is not about the gifts,” Counter said. “But what child wants to wake up on Christmas morning and not have gifts to open?” The director’s words highlight the importance of maintaining routine and joy for children in challenging circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• The Holiday of Hope campaign eases financial stress for families facing crisis.
• More than 1,300 children receive gifts, with siblings also included.
• Volunteers transform DCAC’s rooms into a free pop‑up store for caregivers.

The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s Holiday of Hope initiative demonstrates how community support and volunteer dedication can bring festive cheer to children who have endured hardship, ensuring that the spirit of the holiday season reaches every corner of the city.