Holiday Baskets

Holiday Baskets are a tremendous way for our community to show care for one another during the holiday season. Together, we can brighten this time of year for many local families and seniors.

    Holiday Baskets sign-ups:

    LISTEN Community Services is committed to providing children and seniors in the Upper Valley with warm clothing and food for the holiday season. 

     

    This year, holiday baskets will consist of three (3) winter clothing items and a 50-dollar grocery gift card. The online registration link will be available beginning October 2nd.

    All applicants will first be added to an interest list in the order that their registrations are received. From this list, households will be matched with sponsors. Completing this application does not guarantee you will receive a Holiday Basket.

    LISTEN can only guarantee you will receive a Holiday Basket once you are matched with a sponsor. A LISTEN staff member will notify you once your household is matched with a sponsor.

    At that time, you will receive details on how and when to pick up your Holiday Basket. This year, the Holiday Baskets will be distributed early to mid-December. 

    Eligibility: 

    BEFORE FILLING OUT THIS FORM, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU...


    • Are a parent/guardian of a child under 18 living in the household OR a senior over 65.
    • Live in LISTENS' service area which can be found here: http://www.listencs.org/service-area.
    • Do not live in Hartford/Norwich. Families who reside in these cities should apply to the Hartford-Norwich Holiday Basket Helpers Program: https://holidaybasketsvt.org/
    • Have a household income level that is at or below the USDA Food Assistance Income Guidelines which can be found here: USDA


    How to apply:

    ·   

    • Click this link to complete the online application form.
    • If you are unable to complete an online form, please contact the office to schedule a Holiday Basket appointment. Holiday Basket sign-ups/appointments are available on October 2nd.



    If you are a prospective sponsor or donor, please fill out this short form by clicking HERE.

     

    For our neighbors across the Upper Valley who are experiencing financial hardship, the holiday season often adds another level of stress. The Holiday Baskets program provides comfort for those who need assistance to dress their children in warm winter clothing. Eligible recipients also receive help to purchase food to prepare their favorite holiday meals. With donations from generous people like you, LISTEN coordinates the giving of baskets to local families and seniors each year. Whether you donate funds, purchase gifts, or volunteer for gift assembly and distribution, your involvement provides hope and vital resources.

    LISTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES

    How we help the Upper Valley with Holiday Baskets

    Holiday baskets ensure that children in our community have appropriate winter clothing each cold weather season.

    All qualified families and seniors use generous gift cards to afford and enjoy their favorite holiday meals.

    Community members who would like to help others during this special time of year can directly assist their neighbors.

    LISTEN received this note of gratitude from a local family who was challenged by the pressures of COVID-19 and received a holiday basket: “I am a single mother of 2 beautiful children that are full of life and energy. This summer has been challenging with trying to find childcare and keep my job at the same time. Resources are limited and it puts stress on my family to just get by. I just want to say thank you to the community supporters in the Upper Valley area and all they do to help the families to survive this tragedy, and at least be given a chance to get back on their feet. To anyone struggling in these times, please know you are not alone and to always have HOPE (Hang on, pain ends).”

    How do I sponsor a holiday basket for a local family and/or seniors?

    We are so grateful for our Holiday Basket Donors, Sponsors, and Volunteers who have brought the holiday spirit to Upper Valley families year after year. In light of the current economic stressors, our families are in greater need than ever.


    As a sponsor, shopping for a child or senior and fulfilling their wish list with warm clothing items. As a donor, contributing financially towards baskets for children or seniors without sponsors. All monetary donations will be used to purchase gift cards to local clothing and grocery stores for our families in need. We appreciate your continuing to support this program. We could not do this without you!


    If you would like to become a sponsor or donate to Holiday Baskets, please email bisewood@listencs.org. 

    Make a Donation

    Holiday Baskets Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is in a holiday basket?

      With generous support from our community, baskets provide eligible children with new winter clothing. In addition, their families and eligible seniors receive grocery gift cards to purchase ingredients to prepare their favorite holiday meals. 

    • Who can receive a holiday basket?

      Every fall, LISTEN invites families and seniors to sign up on a first-come, first-served basis to receive a holiday basket. BEFORE FILLING OUT THIS FORM, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU... 


      1) Are a parent/guardian of a child under 18 living in the household OR a senior over 65.

      2) Live in LISTENS' service area which can be found here: http://www.listencs.org/service-area. 

      3) Do not live in Hartford/Norwich. Families who reside in these cities should apply to the Hartford-Norwich Holiday Basket Helpers Program: https://holidaybasketsvt.org/ 

      4) Have a household income level that is at or below the USDA Food Assistance Income Guidelines which can be found here.


      Please call LISTEN with any questions (603)448-4553 or email holidaybasket@listencs.org

    • How do I sign up to receive a holiday basket?

      Families with children and seniors aged 65 and older can apply for our holiday basket by completing the online application beginning October 2nd.

       

      If you are unable to complete an online form, please contact the office to schedule a Holiday Basket appointment. Holiday Basket sign-ups/appointments are available on October 2nd. 

      We will assemble and distribute the traditional "holiday basket" containing grocery gift cards, and other gift items for seniors. 


    • How do I sponsor a holiday basket for a local family and/or seniors?

      We are so grateful for our Holiday Basket Donors, Sponsors, and Volunteers who have brought the holiday spirit to Upper Valley families year after year. In light of the current economic stressors, our families are in greater need than ever.  


      All monetary donations will be used to purchase gift cards to local clothing and grocery stores for our families in need. We appreciate your continuing to support this program. We could not do this without you!


      Please email bisewood@listencs.org to learn more about how to donate online or how to mail your check donation.

    • Can I make a financial donation to support this program?

      Yes, LISTEN accepts donations at any point during the year to support this program. Your gift means that we can be better prepared for this exciting time of year by having adequate resources to continue this tradition. You may donate online or send a check to LISTEN at 60 Hanover Street in Lebanon. Please note that you would like to designate your gift to this program.

    • Can my workplace or another group I am involved in sponsor holiday baskets?

      Several organizations across the Upper Valley generously participate in this program each year and collect donations to help support local families and seniors. Please call us and we can help you to organize your effort. We welcome all groups including workplaces, faith-based and civic groups, businesses, schools, and more!

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