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.
For over 40 years, the Holiday Basket program has brought joy and comfort to children, families, and seniors across the Upper Valley.
In 2025, seniors will receive a Holiday Basket that includes one $50 gift card to a local grocery store and three pieces of warm clothing for each person. Families with children under 18 will receive a basket with three warm clothing items for each child, along with one $50 grocery gift card for their family.
Would you like to apply to receive a Holiday Basket in 2025?
In order to be eligible to receive a basket, you must:
- Be a parent/guardian of a child under 18 living in the household OR a senior over 65 can apply for this program.
- Live in LISTEN’S service area which can be found here: http://www.listencs.org/service-area. Please note that residents of Hartford and Norwich are not eligible for this program at LISTEN, and are encouraged to 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:
Ready to Apply?
The Holiday Basket program depends on the number of sponsors who participate, and baskets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you apply, your household will be placed on an interest list in the order we receive applications. From this list, we will match households with available sponsors.
Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee a Holiday Basket. You will receive confirmation only after your household has been matched with a sponsor. At that time, a LISTEN staff member will contact you with details about your basket. Distribution will take place in early to mid-December.
To apply, starting on September 29, you will need to call us at
(603) 448-4553 to schedule a Holiday Basket appointment. For any other questions, please email us at
holidaybasket@listencs.org.
Would you like to sponsor a basket, make a financial contribution, or volunteer to assemble baskets in 2025?
Thank you so much for supporting children and seniors in our community! All sponsors are anonymous.
There are three meaningful ways that you can participate.
Sponsor a Child or Senior.
Here are a few guidelines:
If you are sponsoring one or more children, we ask that you purchase three warm clothing items for each child. We will send you more information on their specific sizes and needs. We also ask that you provide one $50 gift card for their family to use at an area grocery store.
If you are sponsoring a senior, we ask that you provide one $50 grocery store gift card along with three pieces of warm clothing for each person.
Additional gifts are optional, and you are invited to sponsor as many people as you would like. All sponsors are anonymous.
Once you are matched with a child or senior, Bise Wood St. Eugene, Family Services Coordinator, will contact you as soon as October with their wish list and further instructions. 
Please note, early sign-ups are especially appreciated, as they allow us to coordinate matches thoughtfully and ensure every participating household receives support in time for the holidays.
To sign up as a sponsor or volunteer, please complete the electronic form here. If you prefer to use a paper form, you can download it here.
Make a Financial Donation.
You can give online at www.listencs.org/make-a-donation-now and select “Holiday Baskets" or send a check to LISTEN, 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. Please note that your gift is for Holiday Baskets.
Volunteer in December.
We would appreciate your time to help assemble and distribute holiday baskets. If you would indicate below that you would like to volunteer, Bise Wood will contact you in November to arrange a time.
To sign up as a sponsor or volunteer, please complete the electronic form here. If you prefer to use a paper form, you can download it here.
Thank you for helping us share the spirit of the season
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email Bise Wood St. Eugene, Family Services Coordinator, at BiseWood@listencs.org.
LISTEN received this note of gratitude from a local family who 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).”
