Campaign Overview

The holidays should be a time of joy, but for many families in underserved communities, it’s a time of stress: how to afford food, keep the heat on, get medications, and provide gifts for children. The Health Initiative’s Holiday Health & Hope Campaign addressed both health needs and holiday needs.

Campaign Components

Holiday Health Clinics

• Extended clinic hours including evenings and weekends
• Free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines/boosters
• Wellness checks for seniors and chronically ill patients
• Prescription refills and medication assistance
• Mental health support for holiday stress and depression

Holiday Meal Program

• Complete holiday meal boxes for families (turkey or ham, sides, dessert)
• Holiday meals delivered to homebound seniors
• Nutrition education for healthy holiday eating with diabetes/heart disease
• Community holiday dinners at partner sites

Gifts for Kids

• Toy drive collecting new toys for children birth-17
• Gift wrapping and distribution events
• Books and educational toys for early learning
• Winter clothing (coats, boots, gloves) for children

Winter Warmth & Safety

• Blankets, space heaters, winterization supplies
• Emergency heating assistance for families facing shut-offs
• Carbon monoxide detectors and safety education
• Winter wellness kits (vitamins, hand sanitizer, tissues, cold medicine)

Community Connection

• Holiday events bringing isolated individuals together
• Support groups for those experiencing grief during holidays
• Volunteer opportunities for community members
• Holiday cards and care packages for nursing home residents

Who We Served

Low-income families with children, seniors living alone, individuals experiencing homelessness, chronically ill patients, families facing financial hardship, and anyone feeling isolated or struggling during the holidays.

Campaign Impact (Dec 2022 – Jan 2023)

• 850+ families received complete holiday meal boxes
• 1,200+ children received wrapped holiday gifts
• 2,500+ flu shots and COVID boosters administered
• 400+ seniors received home-delivered holiday meals
• 300+ families received winter warmth kits
• 150+ families received emergency heating assistance
• 500+ families received winter coats and clothing for kids
• 200+ volunteers contributed 1,500+ hours

Community Events

• 3 community holiday dinners served 400+ individuals
• Toy distribution events became community celebrations
• Holiday caroling at nursing homes brought joy to 200+ seniors
• New Year’s wellness kick-off event attracted 150+ participants

How Funds Were Used

• 30% – Holiday meal boxes and community dinners
• 25% – Toys and children’s winter clothing
• 20% – Extended medical services (vaccines, staffing)
• 15% – Winter warmth supplies and heating assistance
• 10% – Community events and volunteer coordination

Campaign Results: EXCEEDED GOAL

Goal: $60,000 | Raised: $72,500 (121% of goal)

The holiday spirit was alive! 480+ donors, including many first-time givers, helped us exceed our goal. Local businesses donated toys, groceries, and volunteer hours. The community came together to ensure no family was forgotten.

Thank You Messages

“My kids had a real Christmas thanks to you. The toys, the food, the winter coats—we couldn’t have made it through without this help. You gave us more than gifts, you gave us hope.” – Single mom of three

“I’m 87 and live alone. Volunteers brought me a full holiday meal and stayed to visit. It was the best gift—knowing someone cares.” – Senior citizen

“I lost my job and couldn’t afford my daughter’s asthma medication. The clinic refilled it for free. Now she’s breathing easy and we can enjoy the holidays.” – Parent

Impact Beyond the Holidays

Many families we met during the holiday campaign became ongoing patients at our clinic. Seniors receiving meal deliveries were connected to home health services. Children receiving winter coats also received school supplies and back-to-school health screenings. The holiday campaign became a gateway to year-round care and support.