As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded of what we all need most as human beings: connection. It’s the shared laughter with loved ones, the small gestures of kindness and all the ways we show someone they matter that make this season so special. 

At KVC Missouri, we know just how impactful these moments of connection can be. This is especially true for children and families navigating difficult times. Want to learn how you can help bring a little hope and holiday cheer to youth and families who need extra support? Your kindness can make a real difference. You can show those experiencing crisis that they are loved, they belong and they’re an important part of our community. Here are some heartfelt and impactful ways to help deliver holiday magic to those in need this season.

Become a Holiday Hero

We can’t think of anything better than seeing a child’s face light up with joy. By becoming a Holiday Hero, you can help make these moments a reality for over 880 children across Missouri. You can help ensure they stay safe, healthy and can find joy this season, even while facing challenges. Every gift and act of kindness shows them they’re not alone, especially during a season where having support means everything.

There are several ways you can make a difference as a Holiday Hero: 

• Fulfill a Child’s Wish List: The excitement of unwrapping a gift during the holidays is something every child should experience. When you fulfill a child’s wish list—four gifts they’ve personally picked out (total value of no more than $160). You’re sprinkling their world with a little magic and showing them that even during tough times, life is still full of wonder and possibility. You’re giving so much more than the presents themselves. You’re giving these young people the chance to feel seen and celebrated.
• Support Our KVC Academy Students: Our amazing students at KVC Academies are working with their teachers to choose special holiday gifts. You can help make their wishes come true by purchasing items from their Amazon wish lists. 
• Donate Gift Cards: Can’t shop, but still want to help? Gift cards to Amazon, Target and Walmart allow us to get holiday gifts for the children and teens who need them most. Gift cards can be mailed to: KVC Foundation Attn: Gift Processing Center, 330 North Gore Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119.

Make a Gift That Changes Lives 

The holiday season is also a perfect time to make a donation that creates a lasting impact. Your gift, whether one-time or monthly, helps ensure children and families in our community receive the vital care and support they need to thrive—during the holidays and all year round.

Here are some ways you can give: 

• Make a One-Time Gift: Every contribution makes a transformational impact when combined with the generosity of others. Your gift helps us maintain innovative services, enhance mental wellness in our community and strengthen families when they need it most.
• Become an Everyday Hero: Join our monthly giving program and create a consistent, year-round impact. As an Everyday Hero, you’ll help ensure we can be there for children and families through every season of their journey. 
• Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund: Supporting KVC through your donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference. You choose how much and how often to give, creating flexible, meaningful support for the children and families we serve. 
• Create a Legacy of Hope: When you include the KVC Foundation in your planned giving, you’re creating a legacy that will touch lives for generations to come. Donors who make a planned gift commitment become members of the KVC Legacy Society.
• In-Kind Giving: Beyond monetary gifts, we welcome donations of personal hygiene items, school supplies, holiday gifts and more. These donations are crucial to meeting the immediate needs of our community. 
• Sponsor/Attend a Fundraising Event: Support our fundraising events, so we can continue to provide medical and behavioral healthcare, social services and education to the children and families we serve. 
• Corporate Matches: Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees, and some even extend this to spouses and retirees. Check if your company offers matching gifts or volunteer match programs to double your impact.

Share Your Time and Heart as a Volunteer 

Looking for a way to make the season brighter with your presence rather than presents? Volunteering with KVC Missouri creates meaningful connections and positive change that ripples through our community. From organizing holiday gift drives to planning activities that bring smiles to the youth in our care, your dedication helps create moments of joy and support when they’re needed most. 

As a KVC volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of caring individuals who help make our programs and events more impactful. Whether you’re helping sort clothing donations, gathering school supplies for students or spending time with youth in our care, your time and talents can help light up someone’s world in a way that lasts far beyond the holidays.

Gifts That Keep Giving: Our Impact in 2024

Looking back at our impact in 2024, we’re filled with so much gratitude for our supporters, families and staff who helped us transform lives. This year alone, KVC Missouri helped positively impact the lives of 17,151 children and adults through services like in-home family support, behavioral healthcare, foster care, adoption, children’s psychiatric care and more. Discover the transformative work happening across our organization and the lives we’ve touched nationwide. Explore the KVC Health Systems 2024 Impact Report.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the ways, with your help, we made a difference this year across Missouri:

As we celebrate this season of giving, remember that every act of kindness — whether that be fulfilling a child’s wish list, making a donation or volunteering your time — changes lives for the better. Together, we’re not just creating holiday memories, but building a stronger and more connected community for years to come.