A Brighter Holiday for the Family
For Beth and Tom, the holiday season has always been about family and togetherness. Some of their most cherished memories come from this time of year. But recently, rising costs have made it harder to keep their traditions alive.
As parents, they took pride in the example they set for their children – both working full-time jobs to provide for their family. With Tom working in retail and Beth as a home health aide, the family was just able to get by. Unfortunately, even with two steady jobs, the family’s budget grew tighter each month. By November, the additional bills left little room for extras.
“We always want our kids to have a true holiday experience. It’s important to us,” Beth said. “But after covering the basics, we just didn’t have enough left.”
Thankfully, Beth was familiar with the Lower Cape Outreach Council, having utilized their food pantries when the family was first putting down their roots on the Lower Cape. She recalled that the agency offered holiday programs, and she reached out. A full Thanksgiving meal, packed by LCOC volunteers, included fresh vegetables, all the traditional “fixins,” and a turkey big enough for the family of five, ensured that their Thanksgiving traditions were upheld.
When Christmas rolled around, Beth and Tom joined hundreds of other Lower and Outer Cape families at LCOC’s annual Santa Stop – a retail-style toy distribution that provided gifts for each of the kids.
“Everything felt right. We enjoyed the holidays as we always have – together,” Tom shared. “The kids were happy and smiling. That’s what mattered.”
For Beth and Tom, the support from Lower Cape Outreach Council meant more than food and gifts – it restored a sense of peace and celebration during a challenging time.
LCOC programs like these are at the core of what the staff and volunteers at the Lower Cape Outreach Council provide, especially during the holidays, when community kindness shines brightest. Giving the gift of hope is the greatest gift one can give during these turbulent times. We thank all LCOC donors for their caring compassion this holiday season.