Stories

This blog is guest-written by Janece Ferris, Apex Community Services

I am excited to share a meaningful project we’re launching this holiday season. With the recent announcement that Project Intentional will no longer host their beloved holiday event, Winter Wonderland Emporium Holiday Store — serving over 1,500 families last year — we recognize the urgent need to fill this vital gap in our community. Apex Community Services is committed to ensuring that local families have the support they need during this time of year, and we invite you to join us in this mission.

On December 7, 2024, we will host Holidays in the Village at our office located at 4805 N 72nd St in Omaha. Our goal is to support 500 families, equating to over 1,500 individuals, by connecting them with local resources and providing a unique opportunity to shop for holiday gifts and essentials—all for free.

What We’re Doing

Holidays in the Village aims to create a festive and supportive environment where caregivers can connect with over 50 area nonprofits and community organizations. Our vision is simple: empower families by providing access to essential resources, gifts, hygiene products, and books. At the event, caregivers will have the chance to visit booths, learn more about community services, and then“ shop” for items that will help brighten their holidays.

Why We’re Doing This

The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, especially those facing economic hardship. With the discontinuation of Project Intentional’s event, we recognized a significant void that needed to be filled. Not only did families we serve benefit from their previous events, but the event aligns closely with our mission of “providing support and resources to at-risk children and families in need.” By stepping in, we hope to foster a sense of community and support, ensuring that no family feels overlooked during the holiday season.

At Apex Community Services, we believe that “it takes a village” to raise our community. By uniting local organizations, businesses, and individuals, we can create a positive impact that resonates well beyond the event itself. Together, we can provide a joyful experience for families that may be struggling to make ends meet.

How You Can Help: BE the Village

We need your support to make Holidays in the Village a success! Here are several ways you can get involved:

1. Host a Donation Drive or Donate Items:

Organize a donation drive with your business or community group to collect hygiene products, books, and holiday gifts. We will provide marketing materials and collection bins, and our team will handle the pickup of all collected items by December 2, 2024. If you prefer to donate directly, items can be dropped off at our office or shipped to us via our Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/dMbDSrn 

2. Volunteer Support:

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with event setup, distribution, and general help on the day of the event. If you or your group are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

3. Sponsorship Opportunities:

Become a sponsor for Holidays in the Village! Your support will help fund food, gifts, and necessary supplies, creating a festive atmosphere for families. We are offering several sponsorship levels with unique benefits:

- Holiday Hero - $2,000: Prominent recognition at the event, social media shoutouts, and features in our event materials and newsletter.

- Joy Giver - $1,000: Logo display at key locations, mentions in social media posts, and a thank-you certificate.

- Festive Friend - $500: Acknowledgment in social media posts and the event materials.

You can register as an event sponsor online at: https://bit.ly/holidaysinthevillagesponsor 

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for this exciting event, we will be sharing more information about how caregivers can register to receive assistance. Keep an eye on our website, apexcommunityservices.org, and our social media platforms for updates.

Together, we can ensure that every family in our community feels supported and cherished during the holidays. Join us in making a meaningful difference this season—because together, we truly can BE the Village. Thank you for your support!