‘Make a Wish’
Holiday Project
‘Make a Wish’ Holiday
‘MAKE-A-WISH’ Holiday PROJECT
Our ‘Make a Wish’ program is designed to assist children receiving support from Wayne County Children Services during the holiday season and all year long.
What is a Sponsor?
Our Christmas ‘Make a Wish’ program would not be a reality without the generosity of numerous sponsors (made up of corporations, individuals and groups) who make hundreds of “wishes” come true and each year.
Wayne County Children Services confidentially matches a child with a community sponsor. The sponsor is given the child’s ID number, age, and gender along with clothing sizes and the child’s “wishes.” We typically ask sponsors to spend approximately $150- $175 per child. We ask that items purchased for the child are new, not used.
How do I become a Sponsor or Donate?
Monetary donations and gift cards are gratefully accepted to help meet the last-minute needs of children who enter care close to the holidays, in emergency situations, or who have special needs. These contributions are used throughout the year to support children in care — for birthday gifts, milestone celebrations, and sometimes just a small gesture to let a child know they are cared for.
If you would like to sponsor a child or donate frequently requested items from the Amazon list, simply use the links in Blue below!
Make a Wish Sponsor Enrollment
Amazon Wish List
To Make a Monetary Donation:
Please make checks payable to “Wayne County Children Services” noting the funds are for “MAW.” Donations are tax-deductible and separate from our operations budget.
All donations can be dropped off or mailed to Wayne County Children Services at:
2534 Burbank Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.
Please include your name/organization name and address with your donation so we may issue your tax receipt.
Tax receipts will be issued in January of next year for all donations.
If you would like to have a self-addressed stamped envelope sent to you for your donation, please use the link below.
Make-A-Wish Fund
2026 ‘Make a Wish’ Holiday Project – Sponsor Delivery Instructions
Sponsors will be matched with one or more children (as requested) and provided with each child’s ID number, age, and gender. Beginning the week of November 3, the child’s wish list will be emailed to the sponsor. Wish lists will continue to be sent on a rolling basis as sponsors enroll and are matched with children.
Gift Preparation Instructions:
- Wrap all gifts, and attach a post-it note to each gift with the child’s ID number.
- Please do not write the number directly on the gift or use tape to affix the note.
- We will remove the post-it notes and personalize each gift with the child’s name before delivery.
- Place all gifts for each child in one trash bag, and label the outside of the bag with the child’s ID number.
- This can be done with a tag, written directly on the bag, etc.
- Please use only one bag per child ID number.
Items to Avoid:
Please do not include the following:
- Edible items (candy, snacks, etc.)
- Weapons or hunting tools
- Toy weapons
- Phones
Drop-Off Information:
Wayne County Children Services
2534 Burbank Road, Wooster, OH 44691
Questions regarding all programs:
Anna Fink
Public Relations and Community Events
anna.fink@jfs.ohio.gov
330-345-5340