A Georgia Holiday Tradition Worthy of the Season: The Legacy and Impact of Clark's Christmas Kids

Clark’s Christmas Joy

They say never to meet your heroes because you’ll only be disappointed. Well, I’m happy to tell you that the cliché couldn’t be further from the truth for Georgia’s one and only Clark Howard. On more than one occasion, I have described Clark as the Mister Rogers of money. He’s brilliant, thoughtful, kind, funny and absolutely committed to making people’s lives better. His consumer advocacy and financial education work impacts millions of people every year via his website Clark.com, his podcast, and his TV news pieces. 

Clark’s Christmas Kids

Clark’s generosity extends far beyond his work to keep consumers safe. His list of community-enriching projects is miles long, and his impact continues to reverberate in the lives of Georgians. Founded by Clark Howard in 1993, the Consumer Action Center is staffed by hundreds of knowledgeable volunteers who help callers with completely free advice on their money and consumer issues. In 2001, Howard created the WSB Radio Care-A-Thon which raises funds each July for the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. And, just for good measure, Clark recently completed his 100th home build with Habitat for Humanity. Suffice it to say, Clark Howard is a man on a mission to make the world a better place, and nowhere is that more evident than with the Clark’s Christmas Kids program.

For 34 years, Clark's Christmas Kids has been a beloved holiday tradition in Georgia, bringing joy and hope to thousands of children in foster care. This heartwarming initiative has made a significant impact on the lives of these vulnerable young people. The idea for Clark's Christmas Kids was born from a simple desire to spread holiday cheer. Recognizing the often-overlooked needs of children in foster care, Howard sought to ensure that these kids would wake up to gifts on Christmas morning, just like any other child. In 1990, he partnered with WSB Radio, Walmart, and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to launch the program.

Each year, DFCS provides Clark's Christmas Kids with a list of children in foster care, along with their age, gender, and a few gift ideas. This information is then shared with the public through various channels, including radio, television, and online platforms. Individuals and organizations can then choose to "adopt" a child or donate gifts. The program's success hinges on the generosity of donors and volunteers. Local Walmart stores serve as collection points for donated gifts, and volunteers work tirelessly to sort, wrap, and distribute the presents.

Clark's Christmas Kids has grown into a massive community effort, involving countless volunteers, businesses, and individuals. The program's impact extends far beyond the holiday season. By providing gifts to children in need, it fosters a sense of belonging and hope. It also raises awareness about the challenges faced by foster children and encourages others to support their well-being.

Clark's Christmas Kids has become a symbol of holiday spirit and compassion across the state of Georgia. It has touched the lives of thousands of children and inspired countless acts of kindness. The program's success is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of giving – the spirit exemplified every day by Clark Howard himself. As the years go by, Clark's Christmas Kids continues to evolve and grow. New initiatives and partnerships are constantly being explored to ensure that even more children benefit from this heartwarming program. By bringing joy to the lives of vulnerable children, Clark's Christmas Kids has solidified its place as a cherished holiday tradition in Georgia. And, for his Herculean efforts to improve the lives of others, Clark Howard deserves to be recognized as a giant among men. He is undoubtedly worthy of being called a hero.