Holiday Clearing House
Applications for the 2023 Holiday Clearing House closed on Friday, October 6 at 3pm.
Due to the expected volume of applications, no exceptions can be made to this deadline.
Family applicants should only use the “Family Application” link found above. Seniors living in a household with minors should also only complete the Family Application, which will also provide them with their portion of the Holiday Clearing House. Only online applications are being accepted; there is no paper application available.
Please read below for general information about the program and ways you may be able to assist those in need in Delaware County during the Holiday Clearing House. Volunteer opportunities will be posted as the event approaches.
Food, coat, and toy donations are welcomed and may be dropped off directly to The Coliseum at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on weekdays from 10am-2pm until Friday, December 8.
FAQ About Holiday Clearing House
What is the Holiday Clearing House (HCH)?
First held as the “Christmas Clearing House” in 1954, the event served 58 families in Delaware County. PIN inherited and began to run the program after our founding in 1981 and the event continued to grow. In 2021, we experienced our largest Holiday Clearing House ever with 658 households benefitting from the program, including seniors and homebound residents and 1,189 children. “Distribution Day” for families at the 68th Holiday Clearing House will take place on Sunday, December 11 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Coliseum building.
The entire operation begins with the City/County Food Drive in November. Many local businesses, organizations, schools, etc. conduct food drives and deliver to the Coliseum, where PIN volunteers are able to sort and pack meals for the families. Every donation is checked to make sure it is not damaged or expired. Throughout the following weeks, additional donations of food, coats, and toys are received, and the quality control process continues.
When and where is HCH held?
PIN will be at the Coliseum building at the Delaware County Fairgrounds preparing for HCH for several weeks. There are several specific days of large-scale volunteer opportunities, with more informaiton coming later in the fall. On Thursday, December 7, our senior participants have the option of picking up their gifts from PIN’s warehouse (138 Johnson Drive, Delaware) or having them delivered. “Distribution Day” for families is on Sunday, December 10 at the Coliseum building. Families will receive a specific time which they will need to arrive; interpreters and other assistance will be available upon request.
What should I expect as a participating family?
Families taking part in HCH are often unexpecting of the level of generosity that pours out of Delaware County. When you arrive at your scheduled time on Distribution Day, you will be paired with a volunteer to help guide you through the process. Each family will receive:
Gifts from your family’s “adopter” who selected toys and other items from your children’s wishlists (please note that not all requests can be fulfilled).
Additional toys, games, books, and other items that you can personally select from, organized by age and gender.
A new winter coat for each child registered with your family.
Groceries to provide a planned Holiday meal as a family. Each family is also welcome to visit our Food Pantry during our operating hours for additional groceries that week.
Is there a program for seniors?
Yes! In addition to the family program, PIN proudly provides a special gift and holiday meal items to our senior (65+) and homebound neighbors through HCH. This will be separate from the family application and is only available online. Delivery or pickup of your HCH items will be on Thursday, December 7. If you are a senior and guardian of minors or live in a household with minors, you must complete the family application and will be served through that part of HCH.
When will I know if my application has been approved?
You will be notified by email to the address submitted on your application if your family is accepted by November 10, 2023. This email notification will also provide you instructions for pickup time at the Holiday Clearing House at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Distribution Day, December 10. All documents must be submitted by the 3pm October 6 deadline in order to be approved.
How can I help with the Holiday Clearing House?
There is no shortage of ways to help with HCH and provide a worry-free holiday season to your neighbors! Many will generously commit their time through volunteering, hosting a drive, promoting the event, and others participate by donating food, new coats, or new toys, or by making a financial contribution to the program. All volunteer signups this year will be made through our partners at Connections Volunteer Center.
Who should I contact with questions?
Volunteers: Connie Dow, cdow@delawarepeopleinneed.org
Food/Coat/Toy Drives and Other Donations: Dan Coutcher, dcoutcher@delawarepeopleinneed.org
Additional Questions: Kathy Hoff, khoff@delawarepeopleinneed.org
