a village of hope beyond the system. Luke 9:6

Children’s

Lantern

VOLUNTEER NOW

Golf Cart raffle

Golf Cart raffle

want to give back and win a $8,500 golf cart?

We’re raffling off a BRAND NEW Denago golf cart. It features Apple CarPlay, LED lights, and so much more! Don’t want the cart? You could win $5000 instead!

Tickets are only $20 each or $100 for 6 tickets!

Our Hope on Wheels Golf Cart Raffle is running now until April 10th, where the winner will be drawn at our Stars, Stripes, and Lantern Lights Gala.

All proceeds go DIRECTLY towards supporting our mission of being a village of hope beyond the system for those in foster, kinship, or adoptive care.

Purchase A Ticket Here!

Thank you BA Carts for sponsoring!

Volunteer for our weighted blanket assembly day

March 7th 8:30AM - 2PM Family Christian Center

Volunteer

Upcoming Events

join us for a night of elegance at our fundraising gala

April 10th 5:30PM - 9PM F.O. Eagles Defiance, Ohio

Learn More

JOIN the CL village

Receive updates and reminders about events, and all that is going on at Children’s Lantern.

About US

Children's Lantern was founded in June 2011 after Tim and Jill Tracy attended a global orphan conference. Inspired by their experiences, Tim initiated the creation of the organization by filing for 501(c)3 status and selecting a board of directors. By the fall of that year, Adam and Alyssa Tracy joined to manage daily operations, with a launch date set for January 1, 2012. In addition to raising awareness, fundraising efforts began to support frontline organizations. Initially based in Defiance, Ohio, Children's Lantern has positively impacted more than six counties in the area and has extended its services to Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, and Uganda.

In 2019, Children's Lantern focused on serving Defiance and nearby counties, enhancing its effectiveness in supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families, aged out foster youth, and human trafficking victims in the community.

"Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices." Hebrews 13:16

Make A Donation

100% of your monthly donation goes directly to providing resources and services to foster and adoptive families, kinship families, and our scholarship programs.

Donate

Meet the Team

  • Steve Heilshorn

    Executive Director

    Read Bio

  • DAISY MOENING

    Office and Financial Administrator

    Read Bio

  • Tonya Briseno

    Family Care Coordinator

    Read Bio

  • Kirsten Vanisacker

    Marketing and Communications Director

    Read Bio

  • "Children's Lantern and their Outreach has Impacted our family and many families just like ours. From Clothing and Weighted Blankets to worship sessions at retreat, the impact of this organization is significant."

    The Bordall Family

  • "Children's Lantern has helped our family in multiple ways over the years. Hope House Boutique had given items for our foster, adopted, and kinship kids and also hosting fun events that include them, like the Back to School Bash with School supplies! Not to mention the connections and friendships made with some pretty awesome people! A true blessing to this community and especially the littles that need our support."

    Local Foster/Adoptive Mother