As we inch closer to the official beginning of fall, the TARCOG staff is already thinking beyond pumpkins and turkeys to what can be one of the loneliest winter holidays for its aging and disabled clients. That’s why TARCOG is already working on its annual drive called Winter Wishes and asking the community for help.
What is Winter Wishes?
This will be the 24th year the TARCOG holiday campaign has been used to provide joy to the aging community. Since the beginning, generous sponsors have helped fill thousands of wishes for TARCOG clients in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. TARCOG serves more than 1,000 clients in the region, including a small percentage of veterans.
How it works
Throughout September, TARCOG is seeking sponsors for this year’s Winter Wishes campaign. At the same time, case managers are collecting up to three wishes from clients.
Sponsors range from interested individuals to churches, social groups, clubs, neighborhoods, and more. Most provide gifts wrapped in colorful holiday paper bags. Some people provide gift cards or financial donations, which staff uses to complete any unfilled wishes. To participate, all it takes is an email or phone call to TARCOG.
Starting in October, the Campaign Coordinators Kaleka Jones and Sanfunee Edwards will begin sharing those wishes with interested sponsors.
A special campaign
“In this campaign, we ask interested sponsors to fill at least one of the wishes on a person’s list,” said TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan. “In the past, we’ve had amazing sponsors who have fulfilled every wish and then some. It is always a beautiful and uplifting time of year to see how giving our communities are to those who truly may not receive any other type of gift during the winter holiday season.”
Sponsors begin dropping off their donations in November at TARCOG. This year, drop-offs will be at the agency’s new and permanent home in the MidCity District at 4976 Corporate Drive NW. Gifts are delivered by case managers during client visits throughout December.
How to participate
Anyone can be a sponsor. Jordan encourages anyone interested in participating in Winter Wishes 2026 to provide their contact information and how many clients they are interested in sponsoring by email to Medicaid.Waiver@tarcog.us, or call 256-830-0818.