WHO: We support local children and families experiencing financial hardship, identified through our school partners.

• It also brings together Idaho neighbors, businesses, churches, schools, organizations, donors, and volunteers who believe our community can make a difference together.

WHAT: We want families to have more than presents under the tree.

• Our goal is to provide approximately two weeks of food during Christmas break, hygiene and household essentials, winter necessities when needed, and one meaningful Christmas wish for each participating child.

WHY: Children don't leave hunger, stress, or unmet needs at the classroom door.

• Research has linked food insecurity and material hardship with challenges in children's concentration, behavior, development, and academic performance. When children are adequately nourished and their basic needs are more consistently met, they are better positioned to participate, concentrate, and learn.

• The Idaho Foodbank reports that more than 75,000 Idaho children experience food insecurity, including more than 40,000 in Southwest Idaho.

• Winter break can make an already difficult situation harder. Children may spend two weeks away from school meals while families face additional grocery, utility, and holiday expenses.

• That's why we provide more than Christmas gifts. We help support the family so children can return to school feeling cared for, supported, and ready to learn. And the Christmas wish still matters! A gift chosen especially for a child can send a simple but powerful message:

  You were thought about. You belong. You matter.

WHEN: From September to December, we are actively planning and preparing for this big event.

• Throughout the holiday season, our community collects, shops, packs, and prepares donations with specific deadlines for each leg of our mission.

• All donations are delivered to our participating schools before kids go on Christmas break.

WHERE: In Idaho, we are hard at work within organizations, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods.

• We work with local school partners to identify families and understand their needs, allowing our community to provide meaningful support while protecting each family's dignity and anonymity.

HOW: There are so many ways to participate! Don’t have the ability to participate financially or physically? That’s ok! Spread the word!

• Fulfill a Christmas wish.

• Donate food or essentials.

• Sponsor a family. Give financially.

• Volunteer to shop, pack, or deliver.

• Businesses, churches, schools, and organizations can host a Giving Tree or collection drive.

  One gift. One bag of groceries. One Giving Tree. One afternoon of volunteering. Small acts become something much bigger when a community does them together! When Idaho comes together, kids thrive.