Christmas wishes will come true for about 400 students thanks to the Holiday Connection program.
For more than 20 years, Virginia Beach City Public Schools social workers have continued the tradition of delivering gifts to students in need and their families.
The Holiday Connection cultivates a vital connection between schools and surrounding neighborhoods, said School Social Work Services Coordinator Damion Wilson.
“As many of our families grapple with ongoing struggles, it is heartening to have a program that offers them relief and comfort in their lives,” he said.
Wilson said school social workers cultivate important relationships with families and are indispensable allies in promoting learning and breaking down socioeconomic barriers.
“Their work inspires hope and empowers individuals, illuminating pathways for success for every student,” he said.
School social workers Carly Marcus and Lynsey Dollar are the project’s coordinators.
Marcus said the effort brings joy.
“Sometimes the parents are crying,” she said. “They feel so supported and are so grateful.”
Families are identified by school social workers, along with educators, administrators and school counselors.
This year’s call for help was answered by 29 organizations, groups, individuals, private businesses and school division offices. They filled wish lists for 162 families.
Toys, clothing, gift cards, food items, stocking stuffers and more were provided and will be delivered by school social workers to families in December.
Dominion Energy adopted five families, including 12 children. Gift wishes were placed on a Christmas tree in the office.
Virginia Beach Office Volunteer Coordinator Shanae Dixon said employees didn’t hesitate to help.
“We participate in a wide variety of events throughout the year and like to give back to the community.”
The VBCPS school administration building had several Christmas trees with gifts underneath for the Holiday Connection.
The Department of Teaching and Learning (DTAL) and the Department of Human Resources each supported two families with a total of nine children.
The DTAL office staff donated gifts and money. Office Associate Jenny Shires and two co-workers were tasked with spending the funds on toys, clothes and shoes.
A social worker told them about a student and family who had recently experienced homelessness but now had housing.
“That really warmed my heart knowing the child will have gifts to open Christmas morning in their new home,” she said.
Human Resources Administrative Office Associate Kristi Byrd said the department of 39 employees not only purchased gifts, but also a grocery store gift card for each family to enjoy a holiday meal.
“Helping others brings out the best in each of us,” she said. “We hope that every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, creates a ripple of hope for everyone.”
For more information about next year’s Holiday Connection program, email holidayconnectionvb@gmail.com.
