Christmas Holiday Program

Program Information

Join Hands Ministry's Christmas Program is designed to help Perry County families in need by assisting with holiday gifts for children ages 6 months to 14 years of age. This program is made possible by the support of our network of generous sponsors and donors, which include churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

We created this program in December 2000. Today, our program has grown to serve hundreds (855 kiddos from 332 local families in 2020), together with, in 2020, 351 sponsors, 6 toy drives, and 33 volunteers that served 435 hours.

Eligibility

The Perry County Difference: Our Christmas program is open to all Perry County families in financial need. We accept referrals from all sources.

YOU MAY ONLY APPLY FOR CHILDREN OF WHICH YOU ARE THE BIOLOGICAL/PRIMARY CUSTODIAL PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN & THE CHILDREN MUST RESIDE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD IN PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TO BE ELIGIBLE.

Applications

Application Opens on Wednesday, September 25, 2023
Application Closes on Monday, October 31, 2023

PARENTS/GUARDIANS - click here to fill out our online application

SPONSORS - for 2023 you can sponsor a child (or family) and/or you can sponsor one of our county's elderly.

* sponsor a child (or family) - click here

* sponsor an elderly - click here

Testimony

Dear Christmas Sponsor

"Dear Sponsor, When I opened the bags of Christmas gifts for my grandchildren it brought tears to my eyes the generosity of people who truly do care for children and families, and to see a child eyes lighting up Christmas morning warms my heart. Thank you so very much, we appreciate everything. God always provides our needs and sometimes our wants. Peace, Love and Joy to all. R, M and R"

Didn't Have to Choose Rent over Christmas

“I needed financial help in paying for some bills, school supplies and some Christmas gifts for my daughter to have a good Christmas the past couple years. Join Hands provided enough financial help to keep our apartment a little longer until I found a job, they helped my daughter have a good Christmas the past couple years and helped provide her with the necessary supplies for school.

I didn't have to choose between our apartment's bills and giving my daughter what she needs” - B

We received this card in the mail

"Join Hands Volunteers & Sponsors,
I have never felt so blessed to have been sponsored. Without this, Christmas would have been a disheartening experience for the boys. The gifts provided for my boys-each one was so very perfect and it was obvious that the sponsors put their hearts and thoughts into personalizing each and every gift. In the past, it made my heart feel good to provide small gifts of happiness when I could. This year was a struggle with so many life changes, and it's very humbling to have to ask for help. This organization and it's sponsors proved that love for community is still alive and growing. My family and I want to wish all of the volunteers and sponsors a warm, wonderful and blessed holiday. Merry Christmas, KH"

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@joinhands.help if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Who is eligible for the JHM Christmas Program?

Children aged 6 months to 14 years and under (exact age of the child/ren the day of Christmas). Children 15 and older will not be sponsored.
Only children of which you are the biological/primary custodial parent or legal guardian.
The children must reside in your household in Perry County to be eligible.

Do you need to qualify for the JHM Christmas Program?

Join Hands Ministry service area is Perry County and does not discriminate based on income. We verify the financial need.
Financial need is the reason for applying to this program. By completing the application, you are attesting to your financial need.
Information on completed application will be verified with agencies in and out of the network.
Once applications have been screened for completeness and accuracy, information will then be shared with Network sponsors to coordinate Holiday assistance.
Applicants being untruthful will be disqualified from participation any Join Hands Ministry assistance for a minimum of one year.

How will JHM team communicate with applicants after application is received?

The Join Hands Ministry team members will call you to confirm what you put on your application.
Sometimes our team members do so from JHM phones or from their cellphone and that number is blocked. Please set your phone to receive blocked numbers.
When your gifts are dropped off by your sponsor, our team will call you to pick up the gifts. This will occur as early as November, no later than mid-December.
It is important you set and check your voicemail and your email.
If we cannot reach you, you run the risk of your gifts being forfeited.
Please contact us at 717-582-7844 to update any phone or email changes.

Does JHM partner with another Christmas Program?

Join Hands Ministry does the administration oversight for Young's UMC Christmas Treasures program.
This program is for 12 year olds and younger.
This event is held on the first Saturday of December.
To partake in this additional program you'll need to make sure to check the YES box on the application.
This year Christmas Treasures event has some modifications. Only two toys per child, picked by the parent/guardian and a Bible will be handed out this year.

Can someone sign up children to both the JHM Christmas Program and Toys4Tots, or BOLO Toy Distribution?

No. You can be sponsored by only 1 of these 3 agencies for Christmas. They are, Join Hands Ministry or Carlisle Toys 4 Tots or BOLO Toy Distribution ( through Newport Assembly of God.)

What does the JHM Christmas Program cover?

Join Hands Ministry, through our supporters and partners, took care of Christmas for 800+ Perry County kiddos for Christmas in years past.
We are 1 of 3 programs county wide.
Please understand that our program is a supplemental program. Meaning, our program cannot cover "ALL" of your kiddos wishes.

Christmas Holiday Program

Program Information

Eligibility

Applications