Families Helping Families

Holiday assistance program

The Families Helping Families (FHF) program is a partnership between the non-profit Palmetto Project and WIS News 10 in the Midlands.

Our FHF Holiday Assistance Program began in 1990. FHF provides a business-like approach to organizing holiday giving for the neediest.

Beginning in August every year, families apply for assistance through local social service agencies who screen for eligibility.

By coordinating with local social services agencies and community assistance programs, we can ensure that donations and charitable giving are targeted to those who need help the most, and by eliminating duplication of services we can do more for more families in need of food, clothing, and Christmas gifts.

The estimated annual value of this assistance is nearly $1.7 million.

Over the past 35 years, more than 75,000 South Carolina families have been helped at Christmas. Every dollar donated to FHF generates nearly $9 in goods and services for Midlands families in need.

Proudly partnering with WIS News 10 since 1990!

low-income families

who we serve

Families with children under 18

We serve children for back-to-school and at Christmas. 

  • Must be low-income (up to 150% FPL)
  • Must be referred by a partner agency

(Ex: DSS, early interventionists, school social workers, or other approved community partners)

Adults with disabilities

We serve adults with disabilities at Christmas.

  • Must be low-income (up to 150% FPL)
  • Must be referred by a partner agency

(Ex: DDSN, Able SC, The ARC, etc.)

Senior Citizens

We serve senior citizens at Christmas. 

  • Must be low-income (up to 150% FPL)
  • Must be referred by a partner agency

(Ex: HUD housing units, Senior Resources, DSS, etc.)

our current counties

Richland

lexington

Newberry

Fairfield

INformation and FAQs

For Families seeking assistance

  • We are a referral program.
      • An approved social service agency must screen, approve, and refer all families applying for assistance.
  • Now is the time to contact the agency where the family receives assistance.
      • Examples: DSS, Housing Authority, Disability & Special Needs Board, Mental Health, etc., or the child’s school social worker)
  • The application window will re-open in August 2025.
      • Exact dates may vary at each approved social service agency.