Community donations needed by Dec. 13 to ensure holiday joy for 3,200 youth in foster care
Clark County Family Services is launching its annual GIVE JOY Toy and Gift Card Drive. This community-driven initiative is aimed at bringing holiday cheer to approximately 3,200 children and teenagers in foster care throughout Clark County.
Now in its 15th year, the program seeks community support to ensure every child in the County's foster care system receives gifts or gift cards this holiday season. In 2024 alone, the initiative served more than 3,200 children.
“While the holidays bring joy to many families, children in foster care often face uncertainty during what should be the most wonderful time of year,” said Lisa Martinez, Clark County Family Services Deputy Director. “GIVE JOY ensures that every child in our care knows they are seen, valued, and loved. Our greatest need right now is for toys suitable for babies, toddlers, and children ages 10-12. As families throughout our region face economic challenges, community support means more than ever. Every gift brings hope to a child in foster care and eases the burden on caregivers during a financially difficult season.”
Clark County Family Services is accepting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12 and gift cards for teens in $25 and $50 increments for teenagers. Submit donations by Dec. 13 to ensure processing.
With families across Southern Nevada facing economic challenges the need for community involvement has never been more important. GIVE JOY provides a direct way for residents to ensure that children in foster care—already among our most vulnerable—continue to experience the joy and stability of the holiday season, regardless of broader circumstances affecting government programs and family resources.
How to Help
Community members can participate in three ways:
- Donate gifts: Organizations and individuals can host toy drives and collect new, unwrapped toys or gift cards. Registration is available online.
- Volunteer time: Volunteers are needed to sort, pack, and distribute gifts to families throughout the holiday season. Sign-up information is available on the County website.
- Contribute financially: Monetary donations of $50 provide one child with a holiday gift. Donations can be made online or mailed to Share in the JOY, 208 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107.
Share in the JOY, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 92-3999002), serves as the officially recognized fiscal partner for Clark County Family Services foster care events. Program sponsors include Prologis, Picerne Real Estate Group, StageHouse Las Vegas, and Amazon.
For more information about donating to the GIVE JOY drive, volunteering, or becoming a foster parent or I-CARE provider, visit clarkcountyfostercare.com.
Foster Families Needed
Clark County is also actively recruiting foster families to support children and teens in crisis. With only 370 licensed foster homes currently serving the community, the County needs at least 200 additional homes to provide safe, caring placements. Family Services is especially seeking to grow its I-CARE network of emergency on-call interim foster parents—licensed foster parents who provide immediate placement for a child, opening their homes to babies, children, or teens who might otherwise end up in the Child Haven emergency shelter.