When the Community Steps Up

The holiday season is always a busy time at Council of Community Services, and this year was no exception. As needs increased, our community responded in a big way. Over the past few months, we have requested additional support, and as we enter the new year, we want to take a moment to thank you.

Here is a highlight of what our community helped us accomplish this season.

Christmas Baskets

Through our Christmas Basket Program, we provided food for more than 500 families during the holidays. This effort was made possible through food donations from the school district and the ERA Real Estate & Campbell County School District food drive, along with collections hosted by local businesses and organizations. Albertsons shoppers also played a major role by donating gift cards at checkout, and additional monetary donations allowed us to purchase the remaining items needed to complete each basket.

Dozens of volunteers helped sort thousands of pounds of food, assemble baskets, and distribute them to families. Their time and dedication helped make the holidays a little easier for many households in our community.

Christmas at the Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen remains a consistent source of comfort during the holidays. With the help of longtime community groups and volunteers who return year after year, we provided lunch on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These meals offered more than food. They provided warmth, connection, and a sense of belonging during the holiday season.

Helping Kids Experience Christmas

This year, the Council of Community Services helped enroll nearly 700 children in the ABATE and Secret Santa programs. These partnerships ensure that children in our community have gifts to open on Christmas morning. We are grateful to the organizations, volunteers, and donors who make these programs possible and continue to show up for local families.

Extra Support Throughout December

The holidays often bring additional financial pressure, and demand for food assistance does not slow. Throughout December, we provided extra meals at the Soup Kitchen and increased food availability at the pantry to help families stretch their grocery budgets.

Meeting this increased need required additional volunteer support, and our community delivered. Volunteers stepped in every day to stock shelves, prepare to-go meals, and make sure food was available for anyone who needed it.

Thank You

The work of the Council of Community Services is only possible because of the people who support it. To every donor, volunteer, business, and organization that stepped up this season, thank you. Your generosity and time made a meaningful difference for our neighbors during the holidays.