Families helping families of the MIDLANDS
HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES IN NEEDDonations always Welcome!since 1990
How it works
The Families Helping Families of the Midlands (FHFM) program is a partnership between the non-profit Palmetto Project and WIS News 10 in the Midlands.
Our FHFM 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.
our current counties
Richland
lexington
Newberry
Fairfield
Since 1990
Helping
Local families
Celebrate the season
Our History
For 35 years, Palmetto Project has partnered with WIS News 10 and the incredible Midlands community to bring holiday magic to more than 75,000 families.
In 2025, our hope is to continue this special tradition by making spirits merry & bright for 3,500 local families with children, adults with disabilities, and senior citizens in need.
But we cannot do it without you — without the whole Midlands community.
Your generosity powers the grassroots giving and community connection that make FHFM so impactful.
Stay tuned for more information coming soon on giving opportunities, family adoptions, and volunteering.
Thank you!
Years of partnership
agency partners
Families served
FAMILIES IN NEED
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.)
Proudly partnering with WIS News 10 since 1990!
INformation and FAQs
For Families seeking assistance
- We are a referral program.
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- An approved social service agency must screen, approve, and refer all families applying for assistance.
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- Now is the time to contact the agency where your family receives assistance.
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- Examples: DSS, Housing Authority, Disability & Special Needs Board, Mental Health, etc., or the child’s school social worker)
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- The application window will re-open in August 2025.
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- Exact dates may vary at each approved social service agency.
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How it works
Our Process
Our Palmetto Project team has partnered with 80+ approved social service partners in the Midlands to screen, approve, and refer families to us.
We serve families with children, senior citizens, and adults with disabilities in need.
We are a referral program only.
