The Full Story
For some Sarasota County Schools, the Holiday House tradition is a heartwarming and cherished one. The tradition involves students shopping for gifts for loved ones during the Holiday Season, usually paid for by the parents and/or a PTO. What happens when a school doesn't have a PTO to put on such an event? Title 1 schools have limited resources, and therefore don't get all the same experiences as other schools.
Rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of what school they attend should experience the joy and magic of giving, Holiday House SRQ was born. In 2021, the inaugural event at Emma E. Booker Elementary, welcomed over 600 students into a festive haven filled with carefully curated items. As holiday music played in the background, our volunteers took each student individually to 'shop' in a winter wonderland, selecting 5 gifts for loved ones at no cost to them or the school.
Witnessing the grateful smiles on children's faces as they selected and wrapped gifts, ignited a spark of compassion and generosity. Building on this success and requests to grow, Holiday House SRQ expanded its reach in 2022 to include Wilkinson Elementary, followed by Alta Vista Elementary in 2023.
To allow children an opportunity to shop for presents is a joyous, empowering and lasting memory.
As we stride into the future, our vision encompasses extending our arms wider to embrace more children and welcome more schools.
Holiday House is not just about the holiday season. It's also about identifying and addressing the deeper needs within Sarasota Title 1 schools. From providing identified essentials, such a new sneakers to students, arranging for clothing needed, coordinating meals during holiday breaks or so much more, we've become attuned to the multifaceted needs of the students by working closely with the school. In raising awareness and rallying for community support, we bridge the gap between necessity and provision.