During the holiday season, there are a number of opportunities for those who would like to donate to help make the holidays special for local residents in need. The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) partners with a number of community organizations, individuals and churches to ensure holiday joy is experienced by all. Here are a list of the programs available for those who would like to donate or apply:

Thanksgiving Basket Program - North of Oregon Inlet

Money and basket donations are needed.

For those who wish to make monetary donations, please send checks to: Roanoke Island Women’s Club, P.O. Box 1666, Manteo, N.C. 27954 or contact Sandy Martin at 252-202-7632. 

For those who wish to apply, the application period is open from October 1 to October 31, 2025. Please apply by contacting or visiting the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services at 109 Exeter Street in Manteo or by contacting Leigh Brinkley at leigh.brinkley@darenc.gov or 252-475-5566. 

Thanksgiving Basket Program - Hatteras Island

Money and basket donations are needed. 

For those who wish to make monetary donations, please send checks to: Fessenden Center, P.O. Box 859, Buxton, N.C. 27920 or contact Annelise Wilcox at 252.475.5764. 

For those who wish to apply, the application period is open from October 6 through November 7, 2025. Please pick up applications at the Frisco campus of the Dare Health & Human Services Department or contact Jessica Nonnenmocher at nonnenmocherj@darenc.gov or 252.475.9370.

Angel Gift Program - Northern Beaches

The Outer Banks Woman's Club is seeking adopters and donors for its Angel Gift Program, now in its 38th year. The club partners with the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, whose role is to screen the applicants.

Residents interested in applying for assistance through the Angel Gift Program should apply by visiting the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services located at 109 Exeter St. in Manteo.  Applications will only be taken from October 20 to October 31, 2025.

"We are encouraging families who are experiencing a need to apply, regardless of income level," said Dare County DHHS Family Services Supervisor Leigh Brinkley. "We recognize that many families are just one crisis away from needing help, so our hope is that the Angel Gift Program can assist families who cannot provide Christmas this year due to unexpected events, whatever that may be." 

The Outer Banks Woman’s Club requests that applicants be prepared to provide their children’s wish list, as well as clothing and shoe sizes during the interview process. 

The continued success of this program would not be possible without the generous support and funding provided by businesses, organizations, and individuals from Dare County and beyond.

For more information regarding adoptions or donation opportunities, please contact the Outer Banks Woman's Club at obwcagp@gmail.com or call 252.284.4040.  

For questions regarding applications, please contact Leigh Brinkley at leigh.brinkley@darenc.gov or 252.475.5566.

Angel Gift Program - Hatteras Island

The coalition that implements the Hatteras Island Angel Gift program is seeking sponsors, donors and applicants for the upcoming holiday season.  The program is provided in collaboration with individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations committed to providing Christmas joy for children on Hatteras Island.  The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services works with these organizations to provide referrals, administrative support and identify family needs, as well as to help protect the privacy of the request.

Most of the giving is from local businesses, organizations and individuals.  In addition to Donation Boxes and Angel requests located in businesses for donors to sponsor, monetary and toy donations are also accepted. 

For those families in need of assistance this Christmas, applications for Hatteras Island Angel Gift are available to pick up and drop off at the Frisco Campus of the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services.  Application dates will run from October 6 to November 7, 2025.

Participants do not need to be a client of the Department of Health & Human Services to receive Angel Gift.  Participants must live on Hatteras Island, and gifts are provided only for child(ren) in the custody of the applicant.  Phone interviews will be required to verify information and assess needs once completed applications are submitted. Children 0-17 years of age are eligible for sponsorship. For families that have received Angel Gift for three consecutive years, the application will be reviewed by the committee and sponsorship is not guaranteed. 

For questions regarding the program, or to make a donation, please contact the Hatteras United Methodist Church at 252.986.2149. For questions regarding applications, please contact Jessica Nonnenmocher at nonnenmocherj@darenc.gov or 252.475.9320.

Adult Christmas Program

Elves Wanted! No experience necessary. 

Sponsors are needed for the Annual Dare County Social Services  Adult Christmas Program. Help brighten the holidays for a Dare County elderly or disabled adult with a little gift giving. Sponsors can sign up anytime until October 24, 2025. Sponsors will be paired with a recipient and will be given that recipient’s wish list no later than November 7. Many items on the wish list include basic necessities such as clothing, food and everyday household items. 

Gifts would need to be wrapped and ready during drop off times on December 1, 3, or 4. Specific delivery instructions will be provided on your applicant’s wish list. 

For more information, please contact Cara Basnight at basnightc@darenc.gov or 252.475.5539.