Gary Holiday Help Fair Brings Cheer and Resources to Local Families
The recent Holiday Help Fair,hosted by the Gary Community School Corporation,was a resounding success,offering a blend of festive spirit and vital support to families in the area. It wasn’t just about holiday cheer; it was about connecting families with resources and creating a joyful experience for children.
A Day of Learning and Fun
The fair featured a variety of engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and learning in young minds. Kids had the opportunity to explore the principles of air pressure through a simple balloon inflation experiment. They also dove into the world of coding with colorful, hands-on activities.
Several dedicated individuals helped make thes experiences possible. Kandice Holman, a 2025 Eagle Scout, and Kellauna Mack, from Scouting America, enthusiastically assisted the children with the projects.
Parents were equally pleased with the educational offerings.Jessica hughes shared that her children, students at Beveridge Elementary, particularly enjoyed the crafts and science projects. It’s marvelous to see kids excited about learning!
Literacy Takes Center Stage
Books were a major highlight of the fair, thanks to the Gary Literacy Coalition. Lori Kuykendall, the Coalition’s director, generously distributed free books and happily answered questions from eager young readers.
“She likes to read,” said Deja dixon, proudly speaking about her daughter, Deja James, an 8-year-old student at Banneker at Marquette Elementary. It’s inspiring to see a love of reading nurtured in our community.
Supporting Families with Practical Needs
Beyond the fun and learning,the fair addressed a practical need for many families: school uniforms. A unique uniform exchange program allowed parents to earn points by donating gently used uniforms their children had outgrown.
You could then redeem those points for larger sizes or uniforms in better condition. This innovative system ensured that every child had access to appropriate school attire.
volunteers jessica Fullilove and Tashema Dancy played a crucial role in the exchange, expertly assisting parents in finding the right sizes. Fullilove remarked that it had been “wonderful” to see the clothing find new homes.
A Community Coming Together
The Holiday Help Fair truly embodied the spirit of community. It provided a welcoming space for families to connect, learn, and receive support during the holiday season. It’s events like these that strengthen our neighborhoods and create lasting memories.
Ultimately, the fair offered a valuable reminder that a little support can go a long way in brightening the holidays for local families. It’s a testament to the dedication of the Gary Community School Corporation and the many volunteers who made it all possible.
