As the holiday season approaches, the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is partnering with numerous community organizations, churches, and local volunteers to ensure that families and individuals across the county experience a joyful and meaningful holiday. Applications for holiday assistance programs open October 1 on the northern beaches and October 6 on Hatteras Island.
Please read the information below to find out more about application deadlines for assistance as well as donation opportunities to support residents in need and deadlines:
Thanksgiving Basket Program
North of Oregon Inlet Community members are invited to donate either funds or complete Thanksgiving meal baskets, including turkeys. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Roanoke Island Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 1666, Manteo, NC 27954. For monetary or basket donations, please contact Sandy Martin at 252.202.7632.
Residents who would like to apply for the Thanksgiving Basket Program can do so from October 1–30, 2026. Residents may apply online, visit DHHS at 109 Exeter Street in Manteo, or contact Leigh Brinkley at leigh.brinkley@darenc.gov or 252‑475‑5566.
Hatteras Island Monetary donations may be mailed to the Fessenden Center, P.O. Box 859, Buxton, NC 27920. For donations, contact Amanda Farfan at 252‑475‑5764.
Residents who would like to apply for the Thanksgiving Basket Program can do so from October 6–November 6, 2026, at the Frisco campus of DHHS or by contacting Jessica Nonnenmocher at nonnenmocherj@darenc.gov or 252‑475‑9370.
Angel Gift Program & Giving Tree
Northern Beaches The Outer Banks Woman’s Club is seeking adopters and donors for the 39th Annual Angel Gift Program. The Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC) will also again host its Christmas Giving Tree to support children throughout Dare County. Both programs partner with Dare County DHHS, whose role is to screen applicants.
Families seeking assistance should apply by completing the online form or by visiting DHHS at 109 Exeter Street in Manteo. Applications will be accepted October 1–30, 2026. Applicants should also be prepared to provide children’s wish lists and clothing/shoe sizes during interviews.
“We encourage families who are experiencing a need to apply, regardless of income level,” said Leigh Brinkley, DHHS Family Services Supervisor. “We recognize that many families are just one crisis away from needing help, so our hope is that the Angel Gift Program and the Christmas Giving Tree can assist families who cannot provide Christmas this year due to unexpected events, whatever they may be.”
Both programs collaborate with Toys for Tots to ensure children across Dare County enjoy a festive holiday season. Residents may register or donate through Toys for Tots by clicking here.
For Angel Gift Program donations or adoption opportunities, contact the Outer Banks Woman’s Club at obwcagp@gmail.com or 252‑284‑4040.
To adopt a child through the VTCC Giving Tree, visit the center between November 2–30, 2026to select an adoption tag. For questions, contact Lara Lewis at 252‑475‑5625 or lara.lewis@darenc.gov. Gift distribution will take place at VTCC’s Whoville Holiday 2026 Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 12.
For application-related questions, contact Leigh Brinkley at 252‑475‑5566.
Hatteras Island Angel Gift Program
The Hatteras Island Angel Gift coalition is seeking sponsors, donors, and applicants for the upcoming holiday season. DHHS partners with local organizations to coordinate referrals, collect donations, and support families while protecting their privacy.
Donors may contribute through local Donation Boxes and Angel requests displayed in businesses, or by offering monetary and toy donations.
Applications will be available and accepted at the DHHS Frisco campus October 6–November 6, 2026. Eligible applicants must reside on Hatteras Island and may request gifts for children ages 0–17. Phone interviews will be conducted after application submission. Families who have received assistance for three consecutive years will be reviewed by the committee, and sponsorship is not guaranteed.
For program or donation inquiries, contact Stephanie Tenpenny at 252‑423‑6130. For application questions, contact Jessica Nonnenmocher at nonnenmocherj@darenc.gov or 252‑475‑9320.
Adult Christmas Program
DHHS Social Services is seeking volunteer “elves” to sponsor elderly or disabled adults through the Adult Christmas Program. Sponsors are matched with an individual and will receive a personalized wish list by November 6, which often includes essential items such as clothing, food, and household supplies.
Interested sponsors must complete the Adult Christmas Sponsor Form by October 23, 2026.
Wrapped gifts should be dropped off on December 1, 3, or 4. Delivery instructions will accompany each wish list.
For more information, contact Cara Basnight at basnightc@darenc.gov or 252‑475‑5539.
