Holiday Assistance
Holiday Assistance & Giving Programs
Serving the Cocalico and Ephrata Communities
The holiday season can be a difficult time for families facing financial hardship. Community Hive brings local families, sponsors, donors, and volunteers together through holiday programs that help make the season brighter for children and families in the Ephrata and Cocalico communities.
Whether you are looking for holiday assistance for your family or want to help a local family celebrate the holidays, Community Hive offers several ways to get involved.
What holiday assistance programs does Community Hive offer?
Community Hive offers three holiday programs for families and community members in the Ephrata and Cocalico areas: Holiday Exchange, Santa Room, and Holiday Workshop for Kids. The Holiday Exchange connects participating families with sponsors who provide gifts for children age 17 and younger. Santa Room accepts new toys and other gifts for local children, while the Holiday Workshop gives children an opportunity to select gifts for people in their households. Families can apply for Holiday Exchange assistance, and community members can participate by sponsoring a family or donating requested items.
Quick Facts
- Programs: Holiday Exchange, Santa Room, and Holiday Workshop for Kids
- Service area: Ephrata and Cocalico communities
- Holiday Exchange: For participating families with children age 17 and younger
- Sponsor gifts: Three gifts per participating child, valued up to $50 each
- Ways to help: Sponsor a family, donate new toys or other gifts, or support the Holiday Workshop
- Family applications: Available through Community Hive during the holiday season
Program contact: Megan Morey, mmorey@community-hive.org
Holiday Exchange Program
The Holiday Exchange Program connects local families with community sponsors. Families who participate provide a wish list for each child age 17 or younger, including:
- Something they want
- Something they need
- Something they read
Each participating child receives three gifts, with each gift valued at up to $50. Sponsors shop for the gifts and coordinate directly with the family to arrange pickup or delivery.
Sponsors can also choose to provide additional support, such as a holiday meal, gift cards, or a gift for the caregiver. The Holiday Exchange is more than an opportunity to provide gifts. It creates a personal connection between local families and community members and helps strengthen relationships within the community.
Want to sponsor a family?
Community members interested in participating in the Holiday Exchange can contact Megan Morey at mmorey@community-hive.org or 717-655-3594. Community Hive will provide information about the current program and sponsorship process.
Santa Room
The Santa Room provides another way to help local children during the holidays. Community members can donate new toys, sports equipment, puzzles, and books for children of various ages.
Santa Room can help fill gaps for families who do not participate in the Holiday Exchange. Community Hive matches donated items to family wish lists on behalf of donors, helping make sure gifts reach families who can use them.
If you would like to donate items to the Santa Room, contact Community Hive for current donation information and drop-off details.
Holiday Workshop for Kids
The Holiday Workshop for Kids gives children an opportunity to select gifts for people in their household, such as parents or other family members. Community Hive collects small, general-purpose gifts that children can choose during the holiday workshop.
Examples of requested items include adult coloring books, sketch pads, cooking supplies, lotions, and car supplies. Items should be valued at $10 or less. Gift cards of $10 or less may also be donated.
This program gives children the experience of choosing something special for someone they love while helping families enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays.
How Families Can Apply for Holiday Assistance
Families interested in participating in the Holiday Exchange Program can complete a Community Hive application. The program is available for household members age 17 or younger.
The application asks for basic household information as well as information about each participating child, including gift requests. Requested gifts should be valued at $50 or less, and clothing requests should include the child’s size. Families must provide proof of residency before being approved for the program.
Because the Holiday Exchange application is shared with a sponsor, families who enroll consent to Community Hive sharing the information provided on the form with their sponsor. Families who do not wish to share this information should contact the Community Hive office instead.
Current application instructions, deadlines, and program details are provided with the holiday application materials each year.
Volunteer: Get Involved This Holiday Season
There are many ways to make a difference through Community Hive’s holiday programs. You can sponsor a family through the Holiday Exchange, donate new toys or other requested items, or support the Holiday Workshop for Kids.
If you are a family seeking holiday assistance or a community member who would like to help, Megan Morey is your contact for Community Hive’s holiday programs.
Megan Morey
mmorey@community-hive.org
717-655-3594
Join the Hive!
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