Secret Families Day is December 12, 2026
Can you sponsor a family?
Our mission is supported entirely on individual donations. Can you help us reach our goal?
Help US DELIVER CHRISTMAS THROUGHOUT HAMILTON COUNTY
More than 14,000 people in Hamilton County live below the poverty line—a number greater than the entire population of 11 Indiana counties. Since 2014, Secret Families of Hamilton County has partnered with local elementary schools and Hamilton County Youth Assistance to identify and support these families. Their struggles may stem from the illness or loss of a parent, sudden job loss, natural disaster, or any number of life-changing circumstances.
Every year, on the second Saturday of December, hundreds of volunteers rise early and gather at Meijer in Westfield with one mission: to bring Christmas joy to their neighbors in need. Armed with personalized shopping lists, they carefully select gifts for children and families. From there, an army of volunteers wraps each present, pairs them with essentials like Christmas trees, grocery cards and decorations, and delivers everything straight to the families’ homes – ALL IN ONE DAY!
The impact is powerful and twofold—families receive hope and joy during the holidays, and volunteers walk away with hearts even fuller than the carts they’ve pushed. Together, we are proving that compassion, community, and generosity can transform lives.
Every toy, tree, and decoration shared on Secret Families Day is purchased via fundraisers held during the year and through the generosity of donations. This is what make Secret Families Day possible, allowing our volunteers to share in the joy of bringing Christmas to neighbors right here in Hamilton County. If you are able to financially support a family, we would be grateful for your donation. You can donate directly on our website.
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What is Secret Families?
What we do
How you can help
How it started
Secret Families of Hamilton County has been helping families since 2014. Our families are referred from local schools throughout Hamilton County. On the second Saturday of December, hundreds of volunteers shop, wrap and deliver presents to the family, along with Bibles, a Christmas tree, toiletries, and a Meijer gift card for Christmas dinner
How it started
How you can help
How it started
In December of 2004, our friends Chris and Al Holdren decided not to buy presents for each other and instead use this money to buy presents and tree for a family in need. 21 years later The Holdrens support 400 families annually in their Delaware County community and have helped launch divisions in six other Indiana counties, including Hamilton in 2014.
How you can help
How you can help
How you can help
It costs approximately $550 to support each family referred to us. Would your family or small group consider sponsoring a family instead of buying each other presents? Or would you consider making Secret Families your holiday donation of choice, with your own funds or together with friends or neighbors? Any amount will help!