Sibling Shopping Day: A First-Ever Event That Brought Holiday Magic to 195 Children
“This is the best day ever.”
— an 8-year-old shopper, arms full of gifts for her siblings.
On December 6, All Our Kids (AOK) hosted its first-ever Sibling Shopping Day, and our Community Closet was filled with the kind of joy, generosity, and connection that reminds us why community matters so deeply.
Kids filled the aisles. Parents hugged. Volunteers scrambled to restock tables. And laughter echoed through the space as children proudly held out gifts they had chosen themselves.
By the end of the morning, 195 children were supported through the event—both the kids who attended and the siblings they selected gifts for.
A Space for Kids to Give and Receive
For many children in foster and adoptive families, especially those separated from their siblings, the holidays can bring complicated emotions. Sibling Shopping Day was created to meet that reality with something joyful: the chance for kids to give gifts to their brothers and sisters, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
Inside the Community Closet, tables were piled high with brand-new toys, books, crafts, games, and special surprises. Many kids took their time choosing—thinking deeply about what a brother might love, or what would make a sister smile.
And for an 8-year-old who raced through the doorway with a grin, the day became “the best ever.”
A Huge Foster and Adoptive Community Turnout
Because this was our first time hosting a Sibling Shopping Day, we didn’t know quite what to expect. But our Western Massachusetts foster and adoptive community showed up.
The event quickly became standing room only, with families filling the space from the moment doors opened. Volunteers from AOK, along with support from our partners at Sibling Connections, helped children choose gifts, offered snacks, and kept the joyful momentum going.
Thanks to generous donors, this event exceeded its fundraising goal in just days, allowing us not only to stock the Closet with new gifts but also to provide festive crafts, snacks, and a welcoming celebration for families.
Supporting Parents, Too
The morning wasn’t only for kids. While children shopped and created crafts, parents connected with one another — swapping stories, sharing insights, and finding comfort in the presence of others who understand the unique experience of fostering and adopting.
Events like this create rare moments of:
- Community: being surrounded by people who “get it”
- Relief: knowing their kids are supported and having fun
- Belonging: realizing they are not alone in this journey
For many families, these moments are just as meaningful as the gifts themselves.
Our Gratitude Runs Deep
AOK is profoundly grateful for:
- Every donor whose generosity made it possible for kids to choose gifts with pride
- Volunteers and staff who kept the event flowing smoothly
- Sibling Connections, whose partnership and presence were essential
- Families, who trusted us with part of their holiday season
- The broader community, who helped spread the word and support the cause
Because of you, 195 children experienced the joy of giving — and the deeper joy of being remembered, valued, and celebrated.
We Make It Possible, Together
If you were moved by this event or want to help create more moments of connection and joy for foster and adoptive families in Western Massachusetts, we invite you to:
- Support the Community Closet
- Become a monthly donor
- Volunteer at upcoming events
- Share this story with friends and neighbors
Every act of generosity strengthens the circle of care around our kids.
Thank you for helping make our first Sibling Shopping Day a beautiful success. We can’t wait to do it again!
