Help for the Holidays 2026

For almost ten years, Brightpoint Southern Region’s Help for the Holidays program has brought hope, joy, and holiday cheer to children and families throughout the IL Metro East. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the program provides new gifts and much-needed holiday support to local families who might otherwise go without. 

Brightpoint’s Southern Region is currently seeking donors for this year’s Help for the Holidays program. The program is designed to support eligible families served by Brightpoint’s Southern Region by helping fulfill holiday wish-list items and easing some of the financial stress that can come with the holiday season. 

The impact of this program continues to grow each year. Last year we supported more than 700 individuals, helping children and families experience a brighter, more joyful holiday season. 

Together, we can continue spreading hope and making the holidays a little brighter for the families we serve. 

How you can help: 

Shop for a family 

You would be provided with a list of items for a family to shop for. You’ll purchase new items and deliver them to a centralized Brightpoint location. From there a caseworker will deliver these heartfelt gifts to your matched Brightpoint family.  

Email Kacy Schlitz @ Kschlitz@brightpoint.org  to be matched with a family. 

Provide a monetary donation 

You can donate online, stop by our office or mail in a donation- Attn: Kacy Schlitz 2133 Johnson Rd. Granite City, IL 62040.  

Donate now!  

Host a toy drive  

Host a toy drive at your business, organization, school, church, or community center and collect much needed items and toys to help stock one of Brightpoint’s four Help for the Holidays Toy Rooms, where Brightpoint families can shop for new gifts at no cost. 

Donate most needed items 

Gift cards: Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Aldi’s, Dollar General, Five Below, & Casey’s.

New clothing for Children, Youth, & Teen: pajamas, shoes, socks, shirts, pants, jeans, leggings, tank tops, & undershirts.

Care products: Size 3-5 Diapers, Pull ups, wipes, soap, shampoo, fragrance free lotion, make-up, deodorant, perfume, & cologne. Children & Youth Toys: Sensory, Musical, Bath, puppets, muti racial dolls & accessories, Play Doh, Action Figures, Superhero Lego, Tegu, Dress Up, DYI Craft Kits, Puzzles, Board Games, jewelry, & purses.

Household items: twin, full or queen sheets, comforter, bath and kitchen towels laundry detergent, kitchen utensils, pots or pans.

Shop Now!  

Delivery:

Date: Nov 3^rd thru Dec 3^rd

Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Times: 8:30am- 4:30pm

Granite City Office

2133 Johnson Rd.

Granite City, IL 62040

*When dropping gifts off, please have gifts unwrapped and placed in large black trash bags.

*Please contact Kacy Schlitz @ Kschlitz@Brightpoint.org or 618-709-5056 for more dates/times

Questions

To support a family, make a monetary donation, or volunteer please contact Kacy Schlitz, Development Specialist, at kschlitz@brightpoint.org.