Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program Anticipates High Demand

The Community Thread organization is gearing up for another year of its Holiday Hope program, which is expected to face significant demand as the community seeks to support families in need. This initiative aims to provide new and unwrapped gifts for children from birth to grade 12 within the Stillwater Area School District. As of December 1, 2024, over 300 families have already registered for assistance through the program.

Meeting the Needs of Local Families

According to Cathleen Hess, the development and communications director at Community Thread, the current economic climate has heightened the need for support. “With everything happening in the world right now and in this country… I think people are feeling a squeeze,” Hess stated. She emphasized the community’s willingness to help, noting that the St. Croix Valley typically rises to the occasion when there is a need.

Last year, the Holiday Hope program served a record total of 3,013 individuals, including 1,723 children. Given this history of increasing demand, organizers are preparing for an uptick in participation this season.

The Holiday Hope program will collect gifts valued at $15 or more that are suitable for children and teenagers. Suggested items include toys, age-appropriate books, arts and crafts kits, science kits, room decor for teenagers, Lego sets, sports memorabilia, and jerseys. The focus remains on providing individually chosen gifts to ensure each child’s needs and preferences are met.

Expanding Support Beyond Gifts

This year, the program will also expand its support to older adults and adults with disabilities by distributing Cub grocery gift cards to participants in the organization’s Thrive Program, which provides free or reduced-price memberships. This shift away from traditional holiday meals and gift cards is aimed at better meeting the specific needs of these community members.

Donations for the Holiday Hope program can be made at Community Thread or any local Holiday Hope Collection Site until December 12, 2024. Individuals interested in contributing can find more information on the organization’s website at www.CommunityThreadMN.org/Holiday.

The commitment of the Stillwater community to support its members during the holiday season exemplifies the spirit of giving that defines the region. As the demand for the Holiday Hope program grows, organizers remain hopeful that local contributions will help to brighten the holidays for many families.