A great program that helps out many people in the Stillwater school district is called Holiday Hope. It gives happiness to families that are in need and it brings holiday cheer to the community.

Holiday Hope is run through Community thread in Stillwater and has been going on for over 40 years. With Holiday Hope, people get the chance to help those who are in need. Holiday meals and gifts are given to these families by sponsors.

Last holiday season, the 2012 Holiday Bureau was able to help 1187 people. There was a total of 31 individual volunteers and 79 group volunteers. The Krueger’s Tree Farm and the Stillwater Elks also donated 60 live Christmas trees to this program to give to families.

“It is a wonderful program that not only helps families and individuals in need, but also provides an opportunity for community members to get involved by sponsoring, volunteering, and donating to an important program. Recipients are always very grateful for the generosity of their fellow community members,” said Sara Pennebecker from Holiday Hope.

Holiday Hope shows that they are willing to help others in need and it brings the whole community closer together during the holidays.