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Orphan Sunday

This Orphan Sunday, join us in the fight against poverty and show your support for vulnerable children around the world!

Sunday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Sunday in November

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to show your support and help make a difference in the lives of orphans around the world on Orphan Sunday, November 12. This special day was created to bring attention and raise awareness about the plight of orphaned children globally, many of whom don’t have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. It’s also an opportunity for communities everywhere to come together in solidarity and express their commitment to ensuring that no child goes without life’s most basic needs. So let’s all join together on this day and make sure every orphan is provided with love, care, and a safe place to call home.

TIMELINE

Orphan Sunday Timeline

Orphan Sunday Origin

Orphan Sunday originated in Lusaka, Zambia, for efforts to care for the numerous orphans in the country due to the AIDS pandemic.

New Zambian Tradition

Local Zambian believers adopted Orphan Sunday annually to take up cause of children, including fostering, adoption and support.

US Recognition

The Christian Alliance for Orphans began promoting and running Orphan Sunday in the United States, inspired by the Zambian initiative.

Global Campaign

Orphan Sunday was broadened to reach a global audience sparking over 50 nations to take part in recognizing and responding to the global orphan crisis.

Annual Celebration

Orphan Sunday is now observed annually on the second Sunday in November, serving as a reminder of the needs of orphaned children worldwide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Orphan Sunday

Host a fundraiser

Organize a dinner, movie night, or other event and charge an admission fee for the activity. Donate the proceeds to a local orphanage or organization that supports orphans.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an orphanage

Find a local orphanage and lend your time and talents. This could be anything from teaching classes, helping with chores, providing meals, or even just spending time playing with the kids.

DONATE

Donate items

Look through your closet and find items that you no longer need or use. Donate them to an orphanage or organization that supports orphans.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Share your support for orphans on social media, write letters to your local representatives about the importance of assisting orphans, and advocate for change.

CREATE

Create care packages

Fill care packages with items such as toothpaste, soap, towels, blankets, snacks and other essentials. Deliver them to a local orphanage or organization that supports orphans.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Orphan Sunday is Important

It encourages adoption

One of the most important elements of Orphan Sunday is that it promotes adoption and fosters safe, loving homes for those who have been orphaned. Through awareness campaigns, churches are given opportunities to encourage families to consider adoption or fostering a child in need.

It raises awareness

Orphan Sunday is an annual day of prayer and awareness to raise attention to the needs of orphans around the world. By raising this awareness, we can encourage people to take action by fundraising, volunteering or advocating for children in need.

It offers support

Orphan Sunday not only brings attention to the millions of orphans globally, but also provides a platform for churches, agencies and other organizations to come together and provide support for these vulnerable children. Many churches host special services and events on Orphan Sunday to stand in solidarity with orphans around the world.

Related holidays

MON

Nov 2026

Awareness

World Orphans Day

Make a difference this World Orphans Day - donate, volunteer and spread awareness to help support orphaned children around the world.

World Day for War Orphans

World Day for War Orphans is a day to remember and honor those kids who have lost their parents during conflict - let's show them our support!

Child Poverty Day

On Child Poverty Day, let's come together to raise awareness and support for the millions of children who are living in poverty. Every child deserves a chance at a better future!