Some children are carrying burdens far heavier than their backpacks this holiday season.

1 in 4 children live with at least one caregiver struggling with a substance misuse disorder.
1 in 4 children live with at least one caregiver struggling with alcohol.
The U.S. makes up 4% of the world’s population, yet consumes 80% of the world’s opioid supply.
Overdose deaths that leave at least one child behind have risen 345% since 1999.
74% of people with substance use disorders report first exposure to substances before age 17.

The National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children (NADEC) is working every day to change these facts and figures.

But here is the harsh reality... it's still not enough.

And for many of these children, the holidays don't bring joy or celebration - they bring fear.

While other children think of snow, lights, warm meals, cookies, carols, and gifts… children living in homes impacted by substance misuse are wondering if there will be food tomorrow — or if they will be safe tonight.

These children are often the first to feel the impact of substance misuse — and the last to receive help.

Boy sitting in a dark hallway alone

For Joseph, the holidays mean enduring the festive cheer of others while secretly worrying about empty fridges, unmet essential needs, and surviving his parent's unpredictable mood swings.

Children like Joseph wake up wondering:
Will there be food today?
Will someone get angry again?
Will I be safe tonight?

No child should ask those questions. Not ever. And certainly not during the holidays.

This is why NADEC exists. And this is why we need your help.

Your kindness can bring safety, support, and hope to a child living through the unimaginable. It can transform the holiday season for a child like Joseph.

Our Holiday Hope Drive Goal: $15,000

Give hope. Give help. Give support.

Woman crouching to talk gently to a child

Black female police officer with a young black drug-endangered child on scene

Young family; pregnant mother, husband and toddler, all smiling

Please join us in giving kindness and giving hope.

Your $10 gift translates into real, immediate hope by allowing us to:

✅ Train thousands more professionals to help them identify children at risk.
✅ Build and grow DEC Alliances in communities across the nation.
✅ Maintain and expand CheckDEC, a resource app connecting responders and families to local services.
✅ Expand Crisis Bag distribution to help children exiting traumatic environments.

Stand with the children who are waiting for someone to notice… today.

Because no child should have to survive the holidays; they should be celebrating them.

Thank you!

NADEC Holiday Hope Drive

By NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN

NADEC Holiday Hope Drive

Stand With and Bring Hope to Drug-Endangered Children This Season.

Team Members