The Shawnee County Christmas Bureau is an annual tradition that allows everyone in our community to make the holiday season brighter for our Shawnee County neighbors in need. United Way of Kaw Valley and other community partners connect thousands of individuals and families to a holiday meal and gifts by matching them with agencies or community “adopters.”
Scroll to the tabs below to see holiday help programs in other counties.
2025 Christmas Bureau applications are now closed.
Adoption process is now open, please click button below.
These Douglas County opportunities are not operated by United Way of Kaw Valley. Please visit the links for complete information.
Ballard Center Holiday Bureau (Closed for 2025)
The Ballard Center is proud to be part of the Holiday Bureau’s collaborative network of local nonprofits that help match families in need with donors who provide enrolled families with holiday gifts.
Who is eligible for this program?
Any family living in Douglas County with children who are under the age of 18. All children will receive gifts worth a rough value of $75 per person, and one parent/guardian from each family will be eligible to request gifts for themselves.
When do Adopt-A-Family sign-ups open and close this year?
Ballard's application process closed October 31, 2025.
https://www.ballardcenter.org/holiday-bureau-adopt-a-family/
Douglas County Salvation Army (Closed for 2025)
Douglas County Angel Tree
Providing gifts for children 17 and under. Applications close NOVEMBER 14, 2025.
1202 E 23rd St., Lawrence, KS
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Pq1StfMqJ/
Register at address above or online: https://saangeltree.org/
Click to see flyer
Email
Eudora Lions Club Angel Tree (Closed for 2025)
30-50 Eudora families, gifts for kids 18 and under and holiday meal items. New in 2025 will be a Gene's Heartland Foods Gift Card to purchase food.
Important Date: Families must turn in their application by 4:30 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025. Late applications and incomplete forms cannot be accepted.
Pickup is December 18 from 2 to 6 pm at Eudora City Hall.
More information on Facebook
(Closed for 2025)
Jackson County runs a separate Christmas Bureau program with a different application and process.
The Jackson County application deadline is Friday, November 14, 2025.
Please visit https://www.fbcholton.com/jcmachristmas/ for complete information.
The Christmas Bureau will be held Friday, December 12 and donations are greatly appreciated.
- Gifts for ages birth through high school senior
- Items for the essential bags (see link above for details)
- Non-perishable food items
- Monetary Donation
The essential bag items and food may be delivered to First Baptist Church (404 Juniper Drive).
If you have any questions, please please contact Gayle Moudlen office@fbcholton.com or 785-364-3423.