Atlanta toy drive matches 1,500 children with specific gift requests
Sponsors can buy exact items from wish lists to help offset a 6.6% year-over-year increase in toy costs for local families.
By Noor Phillips ·
The Community Assistance Center (CAC) has launched its 21st annual Hope for the Holidays program, inviting residents and businesses to purchase specific items for children in three local communities. The initiative pairs sponsors with families facing financial strain, allowing donors to buy gifts directly from individual wish lists rather than selecting generic toys.
The center cited rising costs for groceries, housing, and other necessities as a primary driver for the program’s continued presence in the region. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that toy prices increased by 6.6% in September 2026 compared to the previous year. CAC aims to connect 1,500 children with sponsors who will spend approximately $100 per child on requested items.
Participating families must live in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or the portion of Doraville served by Dunwoody schools. The program serves children aged 18 and under who are already enrolled as CAC clients. New families must complete enrollment to apply, with the application deadline set for Nov. 16.
Sponsors will begin registering on Nov. 6. After registration, donors can select a family and view the children's specific requests, which may include bicycles, tablets, dolls, board games, or gift cards. Unwrapped gifts must be delivered to the Holiday Gift Center at 1130 Hightower Trail between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12.
Once gifts are distributed, parents wrap and present the items themselves. This process is designed to maintain the dignity of the giving experience for the family. Organizations seeking to support 10 or more children can coordinate directly with Oscar Nuñez, the Cares for Kids Coordinator.
CAC CEO Francis K. Horton III stated that the program helps alleviate the financial pressure on parents during the holiday season. "Hope for the Holidays makes it possible for sponsors to impact families they may never personally meet," Horton said. He added that the center is grateful to the community members who sponsor families and volunteer their time.
The distribution of gifts will continue through mid-December. CAC staff will assist with the logistics of delivery to ensure parents receive the items in time for the holidays. The program concludes its acceptance of new family applications on Nov. 16.
