BEARing Gifts Returns to Bring Holiday Magic to Over 29,000 Houston-Area Children in Need
As the holiday season nears, one beloved program is once again wrapping the Houston community in warmth, generosity, and purpose. BEARing Gifts, the signature holiday initiative of BEAR – Be A Resource for CPS Kids, is returning this year to serve more than 29,000 children in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS) across the Greater Houston Area—many of whom may not otherwise receive a gift or feel the magic of the season.
Behind every child served is a story of hardship, resilience, and the quiet hope that someone, somewhere, remembers them. BEARing Gifts is that reminder.
"These children have endured difficult challenges, and through BEARing Gifts, we can remind them that they are seen, loved, and never forgotten," BEAR shared in a statement about the program’s return.
A Growing Need in Houston
At any given moment, more than 16,000 children in the Greater Houston area are involved in CPS-related cases, and over 1,000 of those children have been removed from their homes under emergency circumstances.
BEAR is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit working directly with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults to provide essential needs, comfort, and celebration to these at-risk and abused children. Since its founding 25 years ago, BEAR has grown from a $7,000 grassroots effort into a more than $2 million operation—yet its mission remains deeply personal and community-powered.
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BEAR’s Four Core Programs
BEAR’s impact spans all seasons, with programs that uplift children throughout the year:
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BEAR Necessities: Distributes clothing, diapers, shoes, and other essentials through BEAR Rooms. Served 32,502 children in 2024.
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BEAR Back to School: Provides backpacks and school supplies to help kids start the academic year with confidence. Reached 16,432 children in 2024.
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Heart Gallery of Greater Houston: A traveling photo exhibit showcasing children in foster care in need of adoptive families.
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BEARing Gifts: Brings the spirit of the holidays to life through donated gifts, wish list fulfillment, and heartfelt volunteerism. In 2024 alone, this program reached 29,224 children thanks to community donors and volunteers.
How You Can Help This Holiday Season
There are five powerful ways for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to get involved and make a direct impact:
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Sponsor a Child: After submitting a sponsorship request (available Nov. 1), you’ll receive a child’s wish list. Shoppers are asked to provide at least one item from the list and drop off unwrapped gifts by Monday, December 15 at BEAR HQ or a participating site.
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Host a Toy Drive: Rally your workplace, church, school, or neighborhood. All new, unwrapped toys can be delivered to BEAR’s warehouse at 3572 E. TC Jester Blvd. by Friday, December 19. View gift suggestions here. Sign up to host a toy drive: Toy Drive Sign-Up
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Donate: Every dollar helps. A $25 gift can provide one young child with a brand-new toy, while $100 can make a teen’s holiday wish come true. Donate securely online and designate “BEARing Gifts” as your program of choice: Give Now
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Shop the Amazon Wishlist: Choose a gift that ships directly to BEAR’s office. Be sure to include your name and address so your kindness can be acknowledged. Wishlist available through January 1: Shop Amazon Wishlist
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Volunteer at Santa’s Workshop: Beginning October 20, individuals, families, and corporate groups can sign up to help sort, organize, and distribute gifts at BEAR’s HQ or partner agency locations. Many shifts are available, but they fill quickly. Sign up at VolunteerHub.
"Together, we can create magical moments and lasting memories this season," said the BEAR team, thanking the community for continuing to show up year after year for Houston’s most vulnerable children.
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Why It Matters
Beyond the toys and wrapping paper, BEARing Gifts offers something many CPS-involved children rarely receive: a moment of recognition. For children who have been removed from their homes—often suddenly and under traumatic circumstances—the holidays can be especially isolating. A donated gift doesn’t just meet a seasonal want; it affirms a child’s value during a time when stability and belonging may feel out of reach.
Each contribution is a reminder that someone in the community cares—that even in difficult circumstances, these children are not alone.
For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit BEAR’s official site at bearesourcehouston.org or follow BEAR on social media at facebook.com/BEAResourceforCPSKids to stay connected with drop-off locations, wish list updates, and volunteer openings.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more ways to give back and spread holiday cheer across the Greater Houston area this season.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
