HOLIDAY WISH 2026!

Photo: Rewind 103.5/104.3 - WNND

Start the Season with a Holiday Wish

For more than 60 years, Holiday Wish at Franklin County Children Services has brought together the Central Ohio community to provide children connected to our agency some holiday magic. With the help of Santa 95, Qfm96, Mix 107.9 and Rewind 103.5/104.3, we’re looking to grant even more holiday wishes. Visit our Holiday Wish site for three easy ways you can help grant a holiday wish and help us spread cheer to thousands of children and teens in Franklin County.

Donate Any New Toy

We welcome any new toy donation (unwrapped so we can track it). If you need inspiration, check out our Toy Suggestion List for this year’s most-requested items. Click here for a downloadable list of popular toy ideas.

You can donate toys in two easy ways:

  • Click here to shop our Amazon Wish List and have your donation sent directly to our workshop. (Be sure to select “This is a gift” so you can include a special message and your contact information—allowing us to send a thank-you note!)
  • Drop off donations at our Holiday Wish Workshop (855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223).

Holiday Wish is open for donations now through Friday, December 23

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on November 26-27) 

Saturday, December 5 & December 12 ONLY: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday, December 6 & December 13 ONLY: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Sponsor a Child as a Wish Granter

This special opportunity allows donors like you to sponsor youth and/or sibling group in our care or custody by providing unique gifts chosen by them, often reflecting their interests, culture, and needs. Wish Granter opportunities are limited. Each sponsored youth is allotted gifts up to $100.

To become a Wish Granter and sponsor a youth and/or sibling group, please complete the sign-up form: Wish Granter Sign-Up

Donate to the Children’s Fund

Our Children’s Fund supports a variety of programs that help children, youth, and young adults served by Franklin County Children Services thrive. Whether your passion is education, mentoring, leadership development, cultural enrichment, or creating joyful holiday memories, you can choose to support the fund that means the most to you.

How your donation supports Holiday Wish:

  • Gift cards for teens & young adults so they can choose items that fit their size, style, and needs with dignity.
  • Family Shopping Experience support, supplementing our in-house store where parents and caregivers select gifts directly for their children.
  • Filling critical gaps in priority items such as shoes, winter coats, STEM kits, age-appropriate electronics, and bikes.

Donate now to the Holiday Wish Children’s Fund: Give Online

Host a Toy Drive

Your business or organization can hold a toy drive this season and help us bring joy to children in our care or custody.

Click here to host a toy drive now through December 5. Toy Drives are eligible for Holiday Wish Posters and gift tags for trees! Pick up is also available for eligible Toy Drives, otherwise all items must be delivered to our 855 W. Mound Street location by December 20.

Volunteer with Us

We’re excited to provide volunteer opportunities for both individuals and organizations to get involved. Volunteers are essential in organizing the shelves, cleaning, and sorting toys to help us connect every youth with a special gift during the holiday season.

Important Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Volunteers will not be assisting families directly. The focus will be on behind-the-scenes activities to help keep the operation of the Holiday Wish program running smoothly.

Sign up for a Volunteer Shift(s): Holiday Wish Volunteer Sign Up

More Ways to Support

FCCS and our generous community partners will be hosting several events throughout the holiday season. Join us. Bring a toy. Show your support.

December 2: Black Girl Magic
December 5: Trans-Siberian Orchestra ($1 from every ticket sold goes to Holiday Wish). Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best of TSO and More!” will be at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, December 5 with two great shows at 3pm and 7:30pm. Purchase tickets now at Ticketmaster.com
December 9: Black Boys Brilliance
December 12: Biker Challenge with Qfm96

Connect with Us

For more information about Holiday Wish, contact the Holiday Wish team at holidaywish@fccs.us or 614-275-2525.