Holiday House: Spreading Joy and Community Spirit during the Holiday Season
For some local Sarasota County Schools, the Holiday House legacy is a heartwarming and cherished one. This tradition involves students selecting gifts for their loved ones during the holiday season. Parents and volunteers come together to form a committee that magically transforms a space within the school, into a festive and enchanting gift shop. The joy experienced by the students during this time is truly unparalleled.
Furthermore, it instills the spirit of giving not only within the volunteers but also within the students themselves. Even when surrounded by tempting toys and trinkets, these young shoppers prioritize finding the perfect gift for their loved ones.
Motivated by their own experiences from Holiday House, Jenny Infanti, and Sepi Ackerman had the idea to expand the Holiday House tradition to Title 1 schools in the community. In 2021, they launched the program at Emma E. Booker Elementary. In its second year, Rachel Benderson, Shauna Wagner, Megan Baxter, Jaime Lee, Kristin Skipper, Rabbi Elaine Glickman, and Kim Dobson joined in to expand it to include Wilkinson Elementary. Now in its third year, they've grown again to add Alta Vista Elementary to their list as well.
Their mission is clear: to provide a heartwarming holiday gift- giving experience for children attending Title 1 elementary schools in Sarasota County at NO cost to the school or children! Sustaining and expanding this initiative has been made possible by the incredible support from generous individuals in the community, various religious institutions, and anyone who desires to spread cheer. This outstanding support has allowed for the purchase of gifts, wrapping paper, decorations, food and more.
In fact, the project is in the process of getting 501c3 status to make it officially recognized.
If you'd like to join in and support this heartwarming project, please consider making a donation to the campaign or signing up to volunteer the week of the event. No contribution is too small, and the happiness it brings is immeasurable. This initiative not only embodies the spirit of the holiday season but also serves as a beautiful example of how a community can come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For any questions please email holidayhousesrq@gmail.com
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