Itasca Holiday Program

This year the Itasca Holiday Program is observing its 17th year of providing holiday food boxes to families and individuals in need and providing gifts to the children. Due to the support of many individuals, schools, churches and community groups, this program continues to be a success. Organizations and businesses provide volunteers, participate in toy drives, collect and donate funds. The Itasca Holiday Program involves and engages the entire community while providing a happy holiday season for friends and neighbors living with limited resources.

This comprehensive program eliminates duplication with input from health and human service providers across the county by use of a referral system. The target populations are; families and individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and may not be able to afford holiday food and gifts without this program, as well as, elderly and disabled individuals with limited income and family support.

The Itasca Holiday Program has eight distribution sites to reduce transportation issues for recipients throughout Itasca County. These sites are; Bigfork School, Inger Community Center, Squaw Lake Community Center, Deer River Family Resource Center, Taconite Family Resource Center, Keewatin Family Resource Center, Hill City Food Shelf, and Second Harvest North Central Food Bank.

How can you get involved? Both financial and toy donations are needed. Your investment of $75.00 or more to the Itasca Holiday Program will provide a food box to two families in need in our community. This box provides them with special holiday items plus enough food for several more meals as well as a $15.00 food voucher to a local grocery store. You then will also have the option of receiving a uniquely created ornament as a special thank you for your generosity. Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated to support this annual program. We not only want to fill up every child’s stomach, but also, fulfill their holiday wishes by giving them a new toy. This year, we especially need help collecting gifts for children ages 8 to 12 years old. Gingerbread Giving Trees are placed in churches and businesses throughout the county. The red and green “gingerbread” cards representing Itasca County children are available for people to pick up, purchase a gift, and return the unwrapped gift to the Gingerbread Giving Tree location. Gifts are brought to Second Harvest and packed by volunteers on December 17th and distributed with the holiday food box.

Important Itasca Holiday Program Dates

December 16th – Deadline for gift donations

December 17th – Gift bags assembled

December 18th – Food boxes filled

December 19th - 21st – Distribution at eight community sites

December 22nd – Grand Rapids distribution at SHNC Food Bank