It’s a wrap on our annual gifting program, “Hope for the Holidays!” We are overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity each of you showed in helping to make 2025’s “Hope for the Holidays” a success. We faced an unprecedented level of need this year, and you answered the call. Thank you to all of the individuals, book groups, friend groups, even a bowling group!, youth groups, church groups, synagogues, community groups and families for coming together to make the holidays brighter for 46 families and 84 individuals (2024’s program enabled us to gift 42 families and 66 individuals). We worked with about 115 point people, resulting in double that number for donors.
And once again, we held card making workshops, this time to coincide with the beloved children’s performer, Laurie Berkner Band at SHU Community Theatre on November 22 and at First Church during Winter Whimsy on November 29. Thanks to our friends who stopped by to create cheerful and festive cards to accompany the gift card packages.
Thank you for opening your hearts to brighten the holiday season for our neighbors in need.
Donors dropped off the gift cards earlier this week. The wish lists were matched with all of the donated cards, gift boxes were prepped, gift cards wrapped and then grouped by social worker. All of your donations were delivered to Operation Hope and are now being distributed to our clients.
Our deepest gratitude goes to our two angel volunteers, Meredith McCormack and Sheila Sullivan. Taking the reins of this gifting program for the third year, Meredith and Sheila effortlessly made “Hope for the Holidays” a success, giving hope and joy to our clients in another challenging year. If you’d like to participate in the 2026 program, please contact Meredith and Sheila here to be added to the email list. We welcome new friends! Everyone who donated and volunteered truly made a difference this holiday season and we can’t thank you enough. We wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons and a blessed 2026!
