Esten ECC Family Newsletter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT Self Help Inc. CFCE's Joy to the Children

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL INFORMATION BELOW. THIS LETTER CONTAINS THE ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES TO RECEIVE HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE THROUGH SELF HELP INC. CFCE'S

JOY TO THE CHILDREN PROJECT FOR 2026

Dear Parent,

It is that time of year again that Self Help, Inc. Coordinated Family and Community Engagement reaches out to our eligible families about our Joy to the Children Program!

Due to the lack of space in our building, we are very limited in our acceptance or distribution of donations of toys, clothes, books etc. We are mostly providing gifts cards and possibly some basic needs supplies.

As you know our eligibility guidelines have changed to include participation in 4 or more CFCE Activities and or Services for any family that received gifts from us in the past. Please see the JOY TO THE CHILDREN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 2026 below to see that you qualify for the Joy to the Children Project.

**If you are receiving gifts from Head Start or any other program please do NOT apply for Joy to the Children also. We cross check names with other agencies and your application will become invalid if you apply to more than one gift giving program.

JUST BECAUSE YOU APPLY DOESN'T MEAN YOU WILL BE RECEIVING A GIFT CARD or gifts. Acceptance is based on how many donations we receive and whether or not you qualify based on the guidelines below.

Gift cards and other items will be available for pick up at our office in Brockton. Information regarding pick up day and time will be sent in a later email.

If you are in need this year please follow the link below to apply.

Upon receipt of your application, Self Help Inc/CFCE will verify your eligibility (verification of address and program participation requirements).

All applications must be submitted by November 13, 2026. Address verifications and parent child programs need to be completed by November 20, 2026.

We will not be accepting applications after that date! Please attach a utility bill as proof of address to the application. If you have to mail the proof of address please do so immediately.

We will not be sending out reminders to complete your application.

Apply Now

JOY TO THE CHILDREN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 2026

1. The Joy to the Children Program is for parents and legal guardians who have PHYSICAL CUSTODY of children 0-12 yrs, who have no other means of providing gifts for their children. We DO NOT sponsor nieces, nephews, or grandchildren unless you have proof of legal custody/guardianship. Nor do we sponsor parents who do not have PHYSICAL CUSTODY of their children.
2. Acceptance into the Program is NOT guaranteed. Information provided on ALL applications will be reviewed to ensure accuracy and that they meet ALL eligibility requirements.
3. SERVICE AREA: The CFCE program covers 23 towns and we are limited to helping families from these communities ONLY. The towns we cover are: Abington, Avon, Canton, Dedham, East Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Franklin, Hanson, Holbrook, Mansfield, Middleboro, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, Whitman, Wrentham. If you live somewhere outside our catchment area please check with your local Social Service agencies for gift giving programs in your town.
4. SHI does help families who live in Brockton and other towns that our CFCE does not. You can contact Pam at 508-588-0447 and ask about the Toys for Tots program.
5. Families that have received assistance from this program for 6 years or more will be placed on a wait list, and applications will be processed when AND if donations become available.
6. ALL returning families (any family that has ever received Joy to the Children Assistance), must have participated in at least 4 CFCE programs during the calendar year (December 1, 2025-November 20, 2026), if they expect to request assistance.
7. Program Participation must have been completed by November 20th.
8. All families will be required to submit the following documentation with their applications:

• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, medical bill etc.) with the name of parent/guardian applying for assistance on it.
• Self Help Inc. CFCE RESERVES THE RIGHT to randomly request the following documentation: Picture ID, copies of birth certificates for children, guardianship paperwork.

If you have any questions please contact Gina McGarrigle at gmcgarrigle@selfhelpinc.org (best and quickest way) or call her at 508-559-1666 ext. 1814.

Apply Now