Johns Hopkins Holiday Gift Drive

Johns Hopkins University and Medicine is proud to sponsor hundreds of children, families, and seniors for the holidays. The Office of Government, Community & Economic Partnerships partners with local nonprofit and social service agencies to provide gifts, clothing, and grocery gift cards to families and individuals who are in need of assistance during the holiday season.

This year, we collected over 600 wish lists from children, seniors, and families, and have distributed them to faculty, staff, and students who have begun shopping! As of 11/5, we are no longer accepting sponsors for wish lists, but we gladly accept donations. All funds will be provided to local organizations to support their holiday gift drives. Please click the link below to donate.

This year, community partners include:

The Family Recovery Program
Franklin Center
FLT Preparatory Academy
Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School
Harvey Johnson Towers
Men and Families Center
Iglesia de la Resurrección
Hatton Senior Center
Victory Villa Senior Center

Please direct any questions to [email protected].

Other Ways to Help

You also can help a family through the Vernon Rice Memorial Turkey Drive or by giving back through JHU’s United Way campaign.

How to Get Help

If you are in need of assistance, please contact your local social services agency or Maryland 2-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about who the program helps or how it works? We have answers.

Who receives help?

We partner with local agencies that serve families and seniors who are facing a challenging holiday season due to a variety of circumstances. Previously adopted families and individuals have included teen mothers of young children, children of incarcerated parents, women and children displaced due to domestic violence, seniors, and adults with disabilities who are unable to pay bills and afford personal items.

Which Hopkins affiliates participate?

All Hopkins affiliates are invited to sponsor a child, family, or senior for the holidays. Many employees participate as a department-wide activity.

How are donors matched with families and seniors?

Donors will be matched to wish list provided by participating partners based on their request to support families or seniors. Details and a link to the platform will be posted in October.

Will I meet the family or senior I’m matched with?

Due to the rules of confidentiality, donors will not be able to meet the families/seniors.

Why do Hopkins employees say they participate?