Christmas for Kids-Southwest WI

10/14/2026

🌟 Other Program Spotlight: County Shop with a Cop & Santa Cop Programs 🌟

At Christmas for Kids–Southwest WI, we know that one program may be a better fit for a family's circumstances than another. That's why we're highlighting other organizations that serve families in our area.

This week, we're shining a spotlight on Shop with a Cop and Santa Cop programs that help bring Christmas joy to children and families throughout Southwest Wisconsin! 🎄 We've learned that Grant and Iowa counties have these types of programs, and there may be similar programs in Crawford and Lafayette counties as well. We're continuing to learn more!

🎁 Who They Serve:

• Children and families who could benefit from holiday assistance.

• Eligibility requirements vary by program, so families should contact each organization for specific details.

Please reach out to your local Sheriff's Office for more details or start on online.
Crawford County: https://www.crawfordcountywi.gov/sheriff
Grant County: https://www.facebook.com/GrantCtySheriff
Iowa County: https://www.iowacountywi.gov/SantaCop
Lafayette County: https://www.lafayettecountywi.org/sheriff

🎁 What They Provide:

Programs vary, but some allow children to shop alongside a law enforcement officer, while others have children submit wish lists that are shopped for on their behalf.

Gifts are typically wrapped, though the timing and pickup arrangements vary by program. Some programs may also provide additional items or meals.

❤️ What Makes These Programs Special?

These programs share a similar mission: building positive relationships between children and local law enforcement while providing holiday gifts and support to families in their communities.

🎄 How These Programs Differ from Christmas for Kids–Southwest WI

While all these programs aim to make the holidays brighter for children and families, there are some important differences:

• Service Area: Shop with a Cop and Santa Cop programs generally focus on individual counties or smaller service areas. Christmas for Kids–Southwest WI serves families across Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Crawford counties.

• Type of Assistance: Shop with a Cop and Santa Cop programs may provide gifts, additional items, or meals, depending on the program. Christmas for Kids–Southwest WI provides gifts, winter hats and gloves, a winter-appropriate outfit, and a stocking with stocking stuffers.

• Eligibility: Each program has its own process for identifying families who may benefit from assistance, so we encourage families to contact the individual programs for specific requirements. Christmas for Kids–Southwest WI asks families to explain their need and was created to help fill gaps for families experiencing unexpected life events.

We are grateful to share our communities with organizations that work hard to make the holiday season brighter for local children and families. By sharing information about these programs, we hope to help families find resources that best fit their circumstances.

Know of another holiday assistance program serving Southwest Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments or send us a message! 🎄

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, ALWAYS DIAL 911 WELCOME FROM SHERIFF REG GILL !It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office website. Our office, with dedicated officers , is committed to serving the citizens and visitors of Lafayette County with professionalism, compassi...

10/12/2026

❓ FAQ: Will My Child Receive Everything on Their Wish List?

Because Christmas for Kids Southwest WI is donation-based, we cannot guarantee any specific gift or that a child will receive every item on their wish list.

Our application asks for gift ideas at a variety of price points:

• Wish List Item #1: $1-$25 value
• Wish List Item #2: $1-$50 value
• Wish List Item #3: $1-$75 value
• Wish List Item #4: $1-$100 value
• Wish List Item #5: Any value

These questions help our shoppers find gift options that match your child's interests and the donations available.

You're welcome to list larger items such as bikes, gaming systems, tablets, or other electronics. However, please remember that these items are less likely to be received due to their cost and the limited number of donations available for higher-priced gifts.

The more details you provide about your child's hobbies, interests, favorite activities, and likes, the better we can match them with gifts they may enjoy.

While we receive donations throughout the year, every Christmas season is different. The gifts we are able to provide depend on the donations and support we receive from our generous community.

Our goal is to provide thoughtful gifts that bring joy to as many children as possible.

📅 Applications are open through November 1.

10/11/2026

🎄 Christmas for Kids Southwest WI – Tip of the Week! 🎄

Nominating a Family

Anyone can nominate a family in need for Christmas for Kids – Southwest Wisconsin!

When submitting a nomination, please include as much information as possible to help us determine eligibility. We review all nominations in good faith and verify eligibility through our application process to ensure fair receiving practices.

Please note: Families who have previously received from our program must complete their own application, as they are already familiar with our program and what we provide.

If you've nominated a family that has received assistance from us before, please encourage them to submit an application to be considered this year.

10/10/2026

🎄 DID YOU KNOW? ¡TENEMOS UNA SOLICITUD EN ESPAÑOL ESTE AÑO! 🎄

We’re excited to share that Christmas for Kids now offers a Spanish application!

This new option was created to make our application process more accessible to Spanish-speaking families throughout our service area. Every family deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas, and we’re working to make the process easier for the communities we serve.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may benefit!

Apply Online/Solicita En Línea : christmasforkids-southwestwi.org

If you have questions while completing the application please contact us at [email protected]. We have both English and Spanish speaking volunteers who are happy to help through the process.

10/09/2026

Apply at: https://christmasforkids-southwestwi.org/

10/07/2026

🌟 Other Program Spotlight: Grant County Holiday Project 🌟

At Christmas for Kids Southwest WI, we know that one program may be a better fit for a family's circumstances than another. That's why we're highlighting other organizations that serve families in our area.

This week's spotlight is Grant County Holiday Project (GCHP).

🔗 Learn more or apply: grantcountyholidayproject.org

County Served: Grant County

Who They Serve:
• Families with children under age 18 living in the household
• Elderly or disabled individuals who are age 65+ or receive Social Security/SSI due to disability

🎁 What They Provide for Families with Children:
• New clothing
• New toys

What Makes GCHP Unique?
• A trusted Grant County holiday tradition with more than 30 years of service to local residents
• Uses income guidelines to focus assistance on households meeting established eligibility requirements
• Includes a "Pay It Forward" component that encourages neighbors helping neighbors through acts of kindness

GCHP May Be a Great Fit For:
• Grant County residents
• Families able to pick up gifts in Lancaster
• Households meeting GCHP's income guidelines (up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level)

How GCHP differs from CFK-SWWI:
• GCHP focuses assistance on households that meet established income guidelines, helping ensure resources are directed to families with the greatest financial need; CFK-SWWI was created to help fill gaps for families experiencing unexpected life events.
• GCHP proudly focuses its efforts on serving Grant County residents; CFK-SWWI also serves Crawford, Iowa, and Lafayette counties.
• GCHP requires gift pickup in Lancaster; CFK-SWWI offers delivery for approved families outside Lancaster and Platteville.

We are grateful to share our community with organizations like Grant County Holiday Project. Together, we work to ensure more children and families experience joy during the holiday season.

Know of another holiday assistance program serving Southwest Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments or send us a message.

10/05/2026

❓ FAQ: What Does a Child Receive Through Christmas for Kids Southwest WI?

Many families ask what is included if their application is approved. While every child's gifts are unique and based on available donations, our goal is to provide each accepted child with:

🧤 Hat & Gloves

👕 One Outfit

🎁 4-5 Gifts
Gift selections are based on the child's wish list, likes, interests, age, and available donations. Gifts may include toys, books, games, clothing, or other practical items.

🎄 Stocking Stuffers (and a stocking, if needed)

Sometimes we are asked why some children receive fewer gifts than others. Our goal is typically to provide 5 gifts per child, but when a child receives a larger or higher-value item, we may reduce the total number of gifts. This allows us to distribute donations fairly and help as many children as possible.

Every child is different, every donation season is different, and no specific gifts are guaranteed. Our volunteers work hard to thoughtfully match each child with items they will enjoy based on the information provided in the application.

We are incredibly grateful to our donors, sponsors, shoppers, and volunteers who make Christmas possible for hundreds of children across Southwest Wisconsin each year.

📅 Applications are open through November 1.

10/04/2026

🎄 Christmas for Kids Southwest WI – Tip of the Week! 🎄

Provide Details

When adding gift ideas to your application, be as specific as possible!

If an item comes in different sizes, styles, or versions, be sure to include those details. Examples include:

• Diapers (size needed)
• Bedding (Twin, Full, Queen, etc.)
• Video games (specific game title and gaming system)

If a size, type, or version is not listed, that item may not be eligible to be selected as a gift request. Our shoppers need enough information to make sure they purchase the right item for your child or family.

While wish list items are not guaranteed, a few extra details can make a big difference and help us provide gifts that better match your child's wishes, likes, and interests.

🎁 Applications are open October 1 through November 1.
Visit https://christmasforkids-southwestwi.org/ for application links.

10/03/2026

Join us for our Annual Bake Sale at the Lancaster Congregational Church on the Lancaster Square from now(9:30am) to 12pm.

10/03/2026

Saturday October 3rd is the Harvest Festival in Lancaster.

Watch for our Santa's Helpers to be walking the parade at 11am or stop by the steps of the Lancaster Congregational Church to check out our bake sale, from 10am-12pm, and ask questions about our program.