When we talk about “holiday giving,” it’s easy to picture gifts wrapped in bows or festive family meals. But for the young adults we serve—many of whom are aging out of foster care without a family to spend the holidays with—the most meaningful gifts don’t look like holiday magic.
They look like
- A restocked supply closet so someone doesn’t have to choose between shampoo and gas money
- A food kit delivered quietly to a young adult struggling to feed their toddler
- A Walmart gift card to help someone finally replace the air mattress they’ve been sleeping on since summer
“Sometimes it’s the simple things that others don’t think of that you all do… our young adults have a sense of normalcy because of what you do.”
That’s the kind of giving we believe in. It’s not flashy. It’s not seasonal. It’s about showing up with dignity and consistency, especially during a time of year that can make people feel forgotten.
“One of our clients asked, ‘Why do they help us?’ I simply responded that there are still good people in this world.”
And that’s who we’re calling on now. The good people. The quiet helpers. The ones who care.
Because holiday giving at Bates Mission isn’t just about the season. It’s about stability. It’s about choice. It’s about making sure that every young adult we serve knows:
You’re seen. You’re not alone. Someone cares.
This November, you can be part of that kind of giving:
- Join our Impact Partners with a monthly gift (just $5/month goes a long way in providing dignity year-round).
- Donate a $15 H-E-B or Walmart gift card to give a young adult the freedom to buy what they need, when they need it.
- Host a holiday drive, like our friends at SISU, who are assembling food kits for young adults raising children and making holiday cards with their own families to include in each one.
These are the kinds of gifts you can’t put on a wishlist . . . but they’re the ones that matter most.