Co-Op Christmas at a Glance
A community tradition built around the simple idea that everyone deserves to feel valued during the holiday season. The program supports individuals of all ages — from infants to elders — who may not receive gifts through other holiday assistance programs.
Each year, local agencies identify individuals who could benefit from additional support. Their wishes are shared with community partners, who help provide thoughtful gifts tailored to each person’s needs and interests.
Co-Op Christmas Program
Bringing Holiday Joy Through Community Connection
For more than 40 years, the Co-Op Christmas has been a cherished holiday tradition in the St. Johnsbury community, connecting neighbors through the simple act of giving.
Each year, the program helps ensure that children, teens, adults, and elders who may not receive support through other holiday programs have the opportunity to experience the joy of receiving a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.
Through partnerships with local agencies, individuals are identified who could benefit from a little extra support. Their wishes are placed on tags and shared with community organizations, churches, and volunteers who help make those wishes come true. Gifts are then collected, organized, and delivered back to the referring agencies for distribution.
The Co-Op Christmas is unique because it serves people of all ages and focuses on meeting individual needs and wishes. Requests may be as simple as a warm pair of gloves, a favorite treat, a new towel, a book, or something special for a beloved pet. Community members often go beyond the original request, adding thoughtful touches that make each gift feel personal.
What began in the 1980s through Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) continues today through Kingdom Community Services and the dedication of many community partners and volunteers. Each year, approximately 250 individuals throughout the St. Johnsbury area are supported through this program.
At its heart, the Co-Op Christmas is about connection — reminding people that they are seen, valued, and cared for by their community.
For more than 40 years, the Co-Op Christmas has been a cherished holiday tradition in the St. Johnsbury community, connecting neighbors through the simple act of giving.
Each year, the program helps ensure that children, teens, adults, and elders who may not receive support through other holiday programs have the opportunity to experience the joy of receiving a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.
Through partnerships with local agencies, individuals are identified who could benefit from a little extra support. Their wishes are placed on tags and shared with community organizations, churches, and volunteers who help make those wishes come true. Gifts are then collected, organized, and delivered back to the referring agencies for distribution.
The Co-Op Christmas is unique because it serves people of all ages and focuses on meeting individual needs and wishes. Requests may be as simple as a warm pair of gloves, a favorite treat, a new towel, a book, or something special for a beloved pet. Community members often go beyond the original request, adding thoughtful touches that make each gift feel personal.
What began in the 1980s through Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) continues today through Kingdom Community Services and the dedication of many community partners and volunteers. Each year, approximately 250 individuals throughout the St. Johnsbury area are supported through this program.
At its heart, the Co-Op Christmas is about connection — reminding people that they are seen, valued, and cared for by their community.
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How the Co-Op Christmas Works
The Co-Op Christmas is made possible through collaboration between local agencies, community organizations, and generous individuals.
- Community members are identified- Local partner agencies identify individuals who may benefit from additional support during the holiday season. These individuals may include children, teens, adults, seniors, and those who may be experiencing challenges or limited support systems.
- Wishes are shared- Each participant’s name and holiday wishes are placed on tags that are shared with participating organizations, churches, schools, and community groups.
- Gifts are thoughtfully chosen- Community members select tags and purchase gifts based on each person’s wishes. Many go beyond the original request, adding thoughtful items that make each gift feel personal and meaningful.
- Gifts are collected and delivered- Donations are gathered, organized, and sorted before being returned to the partner agencies, who distribute the gifts to the individuals and families they serve.
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