Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are families chosen?

Families are selected through local schools, social services, and other local agencies. Many of these families received our assistance immediately following they hurricane, and, even before Helene, 1 in 4 children in Western NC counties lived below the poverty line. Your donations will make a huge difference in their lives this holiday season.

2. What is the cost involved?

Please plan to spend $100-125 per family member. While every family has unique requests, we ask that you provide at least two gifts per child (a want and a need), one family need (linens, towels, etc.), and a small gift for each adult. Learn more about our Gifting Guidelines.

3. When will I receive my family?

Family assignments will begin on 11/15, depending on when you sign up, and will continue based on needs and interest. Our goal is to support as many families as possible! Once you complete the adopt-a-family form, you’ll receive a confirmation with anticipated matching times.

4. How and when do families receive gifts?

Our local Funky Farm team in Marshall, NC, will handle the delivery of all gifts, either directly to families or by delivering to local schools and agencies who will then distribute. All gifts will be delivered the week of 12/15.

5. What information will I receive about my family?

Once matched with a family, you’ll receive information on each member’s age, gender, and special holiday requests. The list will include a mix of wants and needs, along with sizes, favorite colors, and personal interests to help guide your gift choices.

6. Will I be able to meet my family?

We’re committed to respecting the privacy of both our families and donors, so we keep Holiday Hope a confidential program. For this reason, we don’t arrange meetings between donors and the families they support, but please know that your kindness is making a real difference and is genuinely appreciated by the family.

7. Do we need to provide items or a gift card for Christmas Dinner?

Holiday meal requests vary by family and may be included on your family information sheet. Many families may already have plans through other agencies or programs, so this is handled on a case-by-case basis. Rest assured; all our families will be taken care of!

8. Where do I take my presents?

You can take your presents to any of our designated drop-off locations: 

Alpharetta, GA (Location TBD): 12/6 – 12/8

REIN Rescue, Tryon, NC: 12/6 – 12/8;  

The Little Pine Outpost, Marshall, NC: Now – 12/10

You’ll receive more drop-off details with your family match. Please deliver gifts unwrapped, labeled, and include a roll of wrapping paper. For online donations, please have gifts shipped and delivered by 12/9.

9. Can I bring my gifts at a time other than the specified drop date?

We ask donors to please drop off items on scheduled dates when our team is available to receive, wrap, and prepare gifts. If you can’t make a scheduled drop-off, please contact info@jamesfisherfoundation.org.

10. I do not live near one of the drop locations, can I participate online?

Yes, you can participate online! Just select the online option on the adopt-a-family form, and once matched, you’ll receive a wish list. You can purchase items through an Amazon Wish List or arrange to ship gifts directly to our outpost in Marshall, NC.

11. Should I wrap my gifts?

No need to wrap your presents—our volunteers will take care of that! Just drop off your gifts unwrapped and tagged with your name and family number, along with a roll of wrapping paper to help us make each package special. If you’re donating online, no tags or wrapping paper are needed

12. How many families may I sponsor?

At this point in time, you many adopt as many families as you wish. If you wish to adopt multiple families, please indicate in the additional info/comments section of the sign-up form.

13. Can I nominate a family?

Yes, you can nominate a family in need! Simply fill out the nomination form to get started and we will be in touch.

14. Do you provide tax receipts for donations?

Yes!! You can fill out and submit a form for us to sign, either in person or electronically. This form will be included with your family information.

15. I own a business or work for a company that wants to get involved. How can we help?

We love partnering with businesses and corporate groups! If you or your company would like to get involved, email us at info@jamesfisherfoundation.org, and we’ll help set something up!G