Every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for – especially during the holidays. Each year, Aunt Martha’s Holiday Gift Program helps make that possible for hundreds of children and families who turn to our organization for support, care, and stability.
The program began more than four decades ago with one person’s kindness. Peggy Eisenstein, a longtime foster parent, volunteer, and member of Aunt Martha’s Board of Directors, made it her mission to ensure every child in our care had a reason to smile during the holidays. What started as one woman’s act of compassion has grown into a community-wide tradition that now bears her name.
Today, the Peggy Eisenstein Holiday Gift Program continues that legacy – connecting donors, volunteers, and staff in a shared effort to bring comfort and joy to the children and families we serve.
Where your Holiday Gift Program donation goes
Gift cards that
families can use now
Groceries, winter clothing, diapers, and other essentials.
Children’s gifts chosen with care and intention
Toys, books, and essentials selected by staff who know each child’s situation.
Real help at real turning points
Your holiday gift meets children and families at the moments that matter most.
Some are families working to stay together through a hard season. Others are youth already in care who need steady adults to help keep their world from shifting again. And some are young people preparing to step out on their own for the first time.
Wherever they are, your gift brings something tangible – warmth, dignity, and a reminder that progress is possible.
When home feels uncertain
We help families bridge the gap so kids don’t have to leave.
When care feels fragile
We bring the clinical and emotional support that helps youth stay grounded.
When independence is next
We help young adults build skills and confidence to thrive beyond care.
Each donation connects directly to one of these moments – and that connection can change everything.
Your contribution turns care into momentum.
Peggy’s legacy
Peggy Eisenstein was a foster parent, volunteer, and board member who insisted every child in our care should feel remembered during the holidays. Aunt Martha’s Holiday Gift Program bears her name because her standard became ours.
Prefer to organize a workplace or community drive?
Send an email to our Fundraising Team or call 708-747-7444.
About Aunt Martha’s
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness is a Federally Qualified Health Center and licensed child-welfare provider serving communities across the south and west sides of Chicago and multiple regions in northern and central Illinois.
We serve more than 105,000 patients and clients each year through an integrated model that connects primary care, behavioral health, and child wellness services – so families can access what they need in one place.
Our Child Wellness programs, including Child Welfare Services, Clinical Intervention for Placement Preservation (CIPP), and Countdown to 21, help families stay intact, help youth stabilize in care, and help young adults transition successfully to independence.
Aunt Martha’s has been accredited by The Joint Commission since 1997 and is Illinois’ first Primary Care Medical Home-certified FQHC, recognized nationally as a Health Center Quality Leader (2017–2025).
