Holiday Family Story Hour Brings Joy

Our annual Holiday Family Story Hour & Gift Making Workshop brought joy to all involved from our families to our volunteers. Over 160 learners and families took part in the event this year. This long-held tradition is beloved, as it brings our community together for the gift of giving. In addition to literacy and craft making, parents are able to "shop" in secret from an array of donated gifts of books and activities, while their children create homemade gifts for the holidays for their loved ones with the help of community and HOBA volunteers. This event ensures that all our families will have something to open this holiday season.

Children's performers, Lori & RJ from Cotton Candy Express kicked off the evening with an interactive musical performance for the whole family. Families all went home with the family book, "Blizzard," as well as other self selected titles to build their home libraries.

Each child also took home a holiday gift bag filled with books and gifts that were donated and filled by one family that has supported and volunteered with Project READ for years. They began this tradition over five years ago, and it is truly magical. To add to the merriment, students were able to choose from hand-crafted t-shirts and beanies created by our incarcerated learners.

This is always a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.