This holiday season, the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition witnessed something truly extraordinary: during a tough economic climate, our community showed up with even greater compassion, generosity, and support for children impacted by foster care.
During the 2025 holiday season, the Coalition received a record-breaking 4,667 Little Wish requests, the highest number in the program’s history. In a year when many families were navigating a tight economy and making difficult financial decisions, our community still came together to ensure that every single wish was granted. Because of you, thousands of children felt seen, valued, and special this holiday season.
Little Wishes is about more than gifts. It’s about dignity, joy, and the powerful reminder that someone cares. For children impacted by foster care, the holidays can bring added uncertainty. A simple wish fulfilled can spark excitement, comfort, and hope during a season that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
This impact would not be possible without our long-standing partnership with KSDK 5 On Your Side, whose continued promotion of Little Wishes year after year helps amplify the voices of children and connect our mission with a caring community ready to act. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring that wishes are seen, shared, and fulfilled across the St. Louis metropolitan region.
Behind the scenes, volunteers played a critical role in making this record-breaking season possible. Volunteer groups from Bank of America, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Home State Health, Junior League of St. Louis, and London Stock Exchange generously donated their time to support Little Wishes. In addition, individuals from an Ameren affinity group and fifteen dedicated individual volunteers stepped in to help as online shoppers, ensuring wishes were fulfilled efficiently and with care. Their time, energy, and heart helped turn thousands of requests into moments of joy.
Beyond Little Wishes, the holidays are also a time when the Coalition’s Family Enrichment & Volunteers team works tirelessly to support families in additional ways. This year, through Adopt-A-Family, generous donors AssuredPartners, Empowerment Zone, Katie Werner, Kirkwood Moms (MOKASA), Roeslein & Associates, Sarah Wendt, The Goddard School, and Trisha R. Gordon stepped up to support thirteen families, helping ensure parents and caregivers could provide a joyful and stress-free holiday for their children.
In addition, our team fulfilled 14 Giving Tree requests, thanks to the generous support of Buffalo Wild Wings, Dawn Null, Jackie Olinger Rochelle, St. Peter Catholic Church – Kirkwood, KSDK 5 On Your Side, LaTieke Moore, Megan During, O2B Kids Lake St. Louis, Old Hickory, Pace Properties and Avison Young, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, The Coalition’s Junior Board, and Weir Minerals, helping address specific needs and helping children and families feel supported during a season when needs often increase.
None of this happens by chance. It happens because of donors who give generously even when it is hard. Volunteers who give their time behind the scenes. Partners who believe in the mission. And a community that understands that showing up during a tough economy matters more than ever.
As we reflect on this record-breaking year, we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for every wish granted, every family supported, and every person who chose kindness this season. Together, you reminded thousands of children that they are not forgotten and that their wishes truly matter.
Thank you for being the heart behind Little Wishes and beyond.