Holiday Sponsorship Program

Family Sponsorship Program web banner

The Holiday Sponsorship Program matches community sponsors with Ramsey County individuals and families in Social Services case management. This is a little different than other holiday giving opportunities because it is not simply a cash donation program. Sponsors get the opportunity to personally shop and wrap gifts for their matched individual(s) or family.

The Holiday Sponsorship Program serves individuals and families who are receiving Ramsey County social services and are identified by social workers as needing extra help with food and gifts during the holiday season. Ramsey County Social Services supports communities of all backgrounds, ages and family structures.

Who can be a sponsor?

Sponsors can be a single individual, a family group, a work group, a school group, a church group, or members of a club, service or civic organization.

What does a sponsorship look like? 

Sponsors make a commitment to provide an individual/family with at least:

  • One clothing item per child.
  • One toy item per child.
  • One parent gift.
  • One grocery gift certificate.

Gifts should be wrapped and labeled for their specific recipient. Sponsors are provided information about their matches, such as the ages of any children, clothing sizes and gift suggestions. Social workers will pick up gifts from sponsors and will deliver to families per Ramsey County policy to protect confidentiality.

A budget of $30 to $50 per person is recommended, plus an additional $15 per person for food for a holiday meal. For a family of four, a sponsorship would total about $180-$260. The cost of your sponsorship is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Donation receipts for tax purposes are provided upon request. Tax forms will be sent out no later Jan. 15, 2024 for receipts turned in by Dec. 31, 2023.

Sponsor a family 

Registration to be a sponsor has closed for 2023. Thank you sponsors!