Adopt a Child 2025

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Adopt A Child is a program that brings joy to area foster children during the holidays.

The program has been managed by the Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services for generations and is more relevant today than ever.  

“It is a program that’s specifically designed to help children, who have been identified as abused or neglected children, who are in need of Christmas assistance,” MCA&CPS Human Resources Public Information Officer Melissa Wood said. “We are thankful for the generosity of our community and of our donors that make this program possible year after year. They’re so generous and they think of our children especially around the holiday time. And the donors along with the volunteers help make this program possible.” 

The eligible children are usually involved in cases handled by the M-C-A-C-P-S and the case workers ask them what they would like for Christmas. Then the caseworkers pass the information along to the donors, who see that those Christmas wishes get fulfilled. 

“So the public can definitely participate,” Wood said. “We would love to have their participation. As a matter of fact, last year, 480 children, over 480 children were served last year through this program. And how our community can get involved is: they can call our agency at (740) 455-6710. They can actually ask to speak with Heidi Smith, who helps with this program here at our agency.”

Donated items are to be dropped off between 8 a.m. and Noon, Friday, December 5th, at the Faith United Methodist Church, which is across from Zanesville High School. Monetary Donations can be sent to the Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services at 205 North Seventh Street with Adopt a Child written in the memo portion of the check.