Demand for Toys Expected to Soar in Stillwater Area as Holiday Hope Program Sees High Registration Numbers
In the Stillwater area, Community Thread's annual Holiday Hope program is gearing up to provide gifts to hundreds of children and adults facing financial hardship. The program, which serves families within the Stillwater Area School District, has already seen over 300 registrations as of this week.
The organization is collecting new, unwrapped toys valued at $15 or more for children ages birth to grade 12, with a range of suggested gifts including toys, books, arts and crafts kits, science sets, and sports memorabilia. This year, Community Thread aims to serve an even larger number of individuals than last year's record-breaking 3,013 recipients.
However, the program has taken on a slightly different approach this year. Instead of distributing gift cards or holiday meals, Holiday Hope will be providing Cub grocery gift cards and groceries to its Thrive Program participants – older adults and adults with disabilities who receive free or reduced-priced memberships.
"We're expecting a high demand for our gifts this year," said Cathleen Hess, development and communications director at Community Thread. "People are feeling a squeeze in these uncertain times, but we know that the St. Croix Valley has a tradition of coming together to support those in need."
Registration numbers have been impressive, with over 300 families already signed up for the program. Donations can be dropped off at Community Thread or local Holiday Hope Collection Sites by December 12.
For more information on how to get involved and make a difference in your community, visit www.CommunityThreadMN.org/Holiday.
In the Stillwater area, Community Thread's annual Holiday Hope program is gearing up to provide gifts to hundreds of children and adults facing financial hardship. The program, which serves families within the Stillwater Area School District, has already seen over 300 registrations as of this week.
The organization is collecting new, unwrapped toys valued at $15 or more for children ages birth to grade 12, with a range of suggested gifts including toys, books, arts and crafts kits, science sets, and sports memorabilia. This year, Community Thread aims to serve an even larger number of individuals than last year's record-breaking 3,013 recipients.
However, the program has taken on a slightly different approach this year. Instead of distributing gift cards or holiday meals, Holiday Hope will be providing Cub grocery gift cards and groceries to its Thrive Program participants – older adults and adults with disabilities who receive free or reduced-priced memberships.
"We're expecting a high demand for our gifts this year," said Cathleen Hess, development and communications director at Community Thread. "People are feeling a squeeze in these uncertain times, but we know that the St. Croix Valley has a tradition of coming together to support those in need."
Registration numbers have been impressive, with over 300 families already signed up for the program. Donations can be dropped off at Community Thread or local Holiday Hope Collection Sites by December 12.
For more information on how to get involved and make a difference in your community, visit www.CommunityThreadMN.org/Holiday.
. I mean, it's crazy that there are still so many families strugglin' to make ends meet in the Stillwater area. Like, what happened to the good ol' days when everyone knew their neighbors and looked out for each other? It feels like we've lost some of that community spirit 
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. Guess you could say I'm feelin' a little nostalgic for the good ol' days 
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like seriously, the demand for toys is gonna be thru the roof this year! its so cool that Community Thread is takin care of all those famileis, they must be doin somethin rite. 
and i love how they're givin out groceries 2 the seniors, thats just so kind 
. like we need more ppl like Cathleen Hess who cares about makin a diffrnce in peopelz lives 
. Do they still have those really cool Tamagotchis that everyone had back in the 90s? I'm trying to get in touch with my inner kid and figure out what's going on, but honestly, can someone explain what a Thrive Program is? It sounds like some kind of program for seniors or something 
. And how do you even collect groceries? Do they need volunteers to sort it all out?
meanwhile, 300 families already signed up, I wonder if they're just trying to keep track of all those toys or if there's a secret underground toy-counting party happening in stillwater 
gotta love the community spirit! i mean, 300+ registrations already? that's insane! i'm all about supporting orgs like community thread that put in the hard work to bring joy and hope to those who need it most. btw, $15+ value gifts are a must - can't wait to see what everyone donates 
I think it's kinda weird that people are raving about the Holiday Hope program without really considering the bigger picture 
It's easy to feel all warm and fuzzy about a charity that provides for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, but have we really thought about how it might affect others in similar situations?
. I mean, who doesn't love a good box of groceries? 
But seriously, shouldn't we be trying to address the root causes of poverty and economic inequality rather than just patching things up with Band-Aid solutions?
. Just something to think about 
... stillwater area doing this holiday hope program? sounds super cool, but like, isn't everyone already rich enough to afford a few toys 
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Anyway, I hope they reach their goal and get to help even more people out this holiday season. Fingers crossed! 
the holiday hope program is literally saving so many lives 
. It's awesome to see people in the St. Croix Valley rallying around each other during tough times. Fingers crossed they can make it happen this year!
!!! it's so heartwarming 2 hear about Community Thread's Holiday Hope program - $300+ registrations already? wow that's amazing! 
. It's amazing that Community Thread is stepping up to help them out with gifts and groceries 