At OneCompassion, our vision is that no family in Johnston County goes without a Christmas.

Through our Holiday Ministry, we come alongside families in need to help provide groceries, gifts, and encouragement during the Christmas season — reminding every home that they are seen, valued, and loved.

What makes this effort so special is how it’s built: by our community, for our community. From shopping and packing to praying and delivering, every step is made possible through the generosity of people like you.

How Holiday Ministry Works

 

Step 1:

Families are nominated

Each fall, local social workers and community partners nominate families who could use a little extra support during the holiday season. This year, we’ll serve 160 families right here in Johnston County.

Our team verifies each nomination, learning more about every family’s size and specific needs so we can serve them well.


Step 2:

families are adopted

Once families are confirmed, they’re “adopted” by:

  • OneCompassion (about 75 families)

  • Local churches (around 40 families)

  • Community members and businesses who adopt a family of their own

When you adopt a family, you take on the shopping and packing responsibilities yourself — don’t worry, we provide a detailed list of needs and gifts for each family member! This will look different depending on the family’s size, but adopters should plan about $200 per child. $150 for clothing and essential needs and $50 for gifts.


Step 3:

shopping and packing begins!

Volunteers gather to shop for household essentials, clothing, and presents for the OneCompassion adopted families. Our Hope Center Ministries partners and other volunteers help prepare bins — removing tags, folding clothing, and organizing every gift.

Each family also receives:

  • A Wilders meat bundle donated through our food partnership

  • Pantry items from Compare Foods

  • A Gospel gift and Storybook Bible

  • Wrapping paper provided by local students

  • A handwritten note of encouragement

 Before bins are closed, every one of them is prayed over.


Step 4:

Deliveries & Prayer

During the third week of December, bins are delivered directly to families by volunteers and adopters. Each delivery is an opportunity to connect, encourage, and pray with the families — sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ during this special season.

 

How You Can Get Involved

adopt a family

Shop for gifts and pack the bin yourself (we provide the list for you!)

donate today

Give financially to help purchase food, gifts, and essential items.

VOLUNTEER

Help shop, organize, pack, or deliver bins in December.

Pray

Cover the families we serve, our volunteers, and this ministry in prayer.

Every action makes an impact — and every family served experiences the hope and love of Christ because of your generosity.

Holiday Ministry FAQ

  • There are three main ways to be part of the Holiday Ministry:

    • Adopt a Family: Shop for and pack a family’s gifts and essentials yourself (we provide a list!).

    • Donate: Give financially to help cover the cost of groceries, gifts, and other needs.

    • Volunteer: Help shop, pack, organize, or deliver bins during December.

  • When you adopt a family, you’ll receive a list with details about each family member — their ages, sizes, and specific needs. You’ll shop for clothing, essentials, and gifts, then pack everything into bins provided by OneCompassion. Bins can be picked up and dropped off at our warehouse.

  • We recommend budgeting about $200 per child — approximately $150 for clothing and essential needs and $50 for gifts. Each family also receives food, Bibles, and other items provided through OneCompassion and our community partners.

  • Absolutely! Many local churches, businesses, and community groups adopt families together. It’s a great way to serve as a team and make a larger impact.

  • Bins are typically dropped off at our OneCompassion warehouse before the third week of December (dates may vary each year). Specific instructions, times, and addresses will be shared once you’ve registered to adopt.

  • You can still make a huge impact by donating toward the Holiday Ministry! Your financial gift helps purchase food, essentials, and gifts for families who haven’t been adopted yet. You can also support this ministry through prayer—lifting up the families we serve, the volunteers, and everyone involved in sharing the love of Christ this season.

  • Volunteers help with shopping, organizing pantry items, removing tags, folding clothing, writing notes, praying over bins, and assisting on delivery day. There’s a place for everyone — whether you have an hour or a whole day to give.

  • OneCompassion partners with Wilders to provide locally raised Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork for each family. We also work with Compare Foods to supply pantry staples and grocery items.

  • Local social workers and community partners nominate families who need support during the holidays. Each nomination is reviewed and verified by our team to ensure we’re serving families most in need within Johnston County.

  • Yes! We welcome volunteers to help with deliveries during the third week of December. Deliverers are encouraged to pray with the families and share the love of Christ through their visit.

OneCompassion’s Christmas in July ministry gathers essential supplies, clothing, snacks, and backpacks to support children in need as they prepare for the new school year. By providing these resources, we help ensure that every child starts school with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

For more information on how to get involved with the Holiday Ministry, email us at info@onecompassion.com