An outpouring of support from DePelchin donors and volunteers allowed us to fulfill holiday wishes for more than 1,400 children in our programs this year.

DePelchin supporters made the gifts possible through our annual Holiday Project, which collects gifts for children engaged with DePelchin programs in Houston, Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio. The tradition brightens the holidays for children while also making the season more manageable for the families who care for them.

Supporters of the Holiday Project chose children’s wish lists from our website and went shopping for their requested gifts. Some businesses and other employers held donation drives to collect gifts. Others made financial contributions to help our staff make sure that all wishes were fulfilled.

We are especially grateful for the groups and individuals who helped sort and prepare donations for pickup. Finally, we appreciate the DePelchin case managers who work closely with families throughout the year and helped to identify the needs and wishes of each child and ensured the gifts were delivered to families in time to celebrate the holidays.

DePelchin families have celebrated the holidays in other ways as well! In early December, Santa and some of his elves arrived at Hobby Airport in Houston on a Southwest airplane with goodies and gifts for DePelchin children. The kids took a tour of Santa’s plane, posed for photos with Santa, and received a bag full of gifts. Sarah Pepper of Mix 96.5, LyondellBassell Industries, Southwest Airlines and the Houston Airport System all helped make the day magical and memorable.

Thanks to so many volunteers and supporters, DePelchin children and youth are making some lasting and cherished memories during this holiday season. We are profoundly grateful for all who stepped up — during the holidays and throughout the year ­— to deliver joy to these kids and their families.