While the holiday season may bring joy and warmth, it can also bring an overwhelming sense of stress to those who might need a little extra strength and support this time of year.

The South Boston Neighborhood House Holiday Helper program is here to provide that extra hand.

SBNH Executive Director Kathy Lafferty has seen it all – literally. She has been with the organization since 1993 and has seen the Holiday Helper program grow from the ground up.

From its first year of helping out 10 families to last year’s helping out 428 families, Holiday Helper has 15 corporate partners and many local businesses that participate in various ways. They’ve even had to acquire an offsite location due to the demand their services bring.

While it’s been amazing for Lafferty to see the growth of the program, it’s also hard because it shows just how many people are asking for help.

“The thing about it is the need is immense,” Lafferty said. “There are so many families in the community who are struggling to get by. When someone can come in and take that stress from the parent, it’s an amazing thing.” 

That stress, of course, is the parent’s desire to give their children everything they want and more. Kids don’t understand why they can’t have what their friends have.

That’s where the Holiday Helper program comes into play. Whether it’s purchasing one toy or one coat off of an Amazon wishlist or sponsoring an entire family, nothing is too small or insignificant. You can even buy gifts for the parents and caretakers – everyone deserves to open something up this holiday season. Every little thing, every toy, every pair of gloves, every pack of diapers matters to someone.

And people don’t forget.

You can become a Holiday Helper by joining here!