Hailey
Wichita Public Schools (WPS) is making an urgent Christmas appeal as the number of homeless students across the district continues to rise.
This year, more than 1,400 students are identified as experiencing homelessness, with nearly 600 families relying on district support.
As the holiday season approaches, WPS is asking the community to step up and help ensure every child receives a gift and essential items this Christmas.
The district’s Homeless Education Program, supported under the McKinney-Vento Act, works year-round to assist students who lack stable housing.
But during the holidays, the need becomes especially critical as many families struggle to afford even the most basic items.
Current Status of Homelessness in Wichita Schools
Below is a quick look at the growing needs within the district:
| Category | Number / Details |
|---|---|
| Homeless students in 2025 | 1,400+ students |
| Families experiencing homelessness | Around 600 families |
| Toys collected so far | Approximately 200 |
| Toys still needed | 400+ additional gifts |
| Unaccompanied youth needing gift cards | Around 80 students |
| Donation deadline | December 15, 2025 |
| Drop-off location | WPS Administrative Offices, 903 S. Edgemoor St. |
What Wichita Public Schools Is Asking For
WPS is requesting new, unwrapped gifts, essential items, and gift cards for both students and their families. With numbers rising significantly this year, the district aims to provide each homeless child with at least one holiday gift, along with practical support their families can use immediately.
Items Needed This Christmas:
- Toys for children of all age groups
- Teen gifts, including sports items, self-care kits, and clothing
- Family essentials, such as hygiene items, blankets, socks, and warm wear
- Gift cards for food, clothing, and transportation
- Special emphasis on gift cards for unaccompanied youth — students living without a parent or guardian
The goal is not just to give a toy, but to provide comfort, stability, and hope to students who are moving through shelters, motels, temporary homes, and unsafe environments.
Why This Christmas Drive Matters
For many families in the district, holiday gifts are simply not possible due to unstable housing and financial struggles.
The McKinney-Vento program reports that many students are currently living:
- In shelters
- In motels due to eviction or financial hardship
- Doubled up with relatives or friends
- In cars or unsafe temporary spaces
- Without a parent or guardian
This instability affects their emotional well-being, academic performance, and sense of security.
WPS hopes that with community support, each child will feel remembered, valued, and supported during the holidays — a time when students facing homelessness often feel the most isolated.
How the Community Can Help
Anyone wishing to support Wichita’s homeless students can donate:
- New, unwrapped toys
- Winter essentials
- Gift cards (high need)
- Teen-appropriate gifts
- Hygiene and personal care supplies
- Items that are easy to carry, since many students move often
All donations must be dropped off by December 15 at the WPS Administrative Offices.
Even a small contribution — such as a $10 gift card or a single toy — can help bring comfort to a child who may be facing a very difficult holiday season.
This Christmas, Wichita Public Schools is striving to ensure that its 1,400+ homeless students do not feel forgotten during a season filled with joy for many families.
With rising needs and limited resources, community support is more important than ever. Whether you donate a toy, a warm blanket, or a gift card, every contribution brings hope and dignity to children facing homelessness.
A small act of kindness today can make a lasting impact on a student’s life this holiday season.