Community Christmas Project Supports Local High School Teens

Despite a short turnaround, this year’s Community Christmas Project was a tremendous success, made possible through the generosity of our community and organized by the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition. The project was originally funded at $1,200. Shortly after planning began, two incredibly generous anonymous donors stepped forward, one matching the original amount and another contributing an additional $600, bringing the total available funds to $3,000. These funds were used to provide direct support to high school students in need at Forest Area High School and Kalkaska High School, including the Kalkaska Alternative Program.

At Forest Area High School, 15 students received $100 gift cards to help meet winter needs while still allowing students the dignity of choice. School staff guided purchases to ensure funds were used appropriately, while giving students the opportunity to select items that mattered most to them and, in some cases, purchase small gifts for family members. As Principal Konrad Molter shared, “Students set out shopping this week thanks to the generosity of local donors, and their excitement was evident from the start. Many focused on essentials, while others chose small gifts for family members. Allowing students to choose what mattered to them gave them dignity and showed them they are valued by this community.”

High school students at Kalkaska High School and in the Kalkaska Alternative Program received winter clothing, personal hygiene items, food, and other household essentials. Support also included grocery assistance and individualized items to help meet specific student needs during the holiday season. Local businesses helped extend the impact of the project through in kind donations, including hair care products from Timberlie’s Salon and hats from the Country Surplus Store. Josh England of the Kalkaska Alternative Program shared how meaningful this support was for students, saying, “It was an incredibly generous donation that will have a huge impact on our students. Seeing the kindness and love extended to kids who don’t always experience that reminds them that this community sees and values them.”

In addition to clothing and supplies, approximately $250 worth of food was purchased. Some of this food was assembled into take home bags for Kalkaska teens to bring home over holiday break, helping ease food insecurity during a time when many families experience increased financial strain. This project was about more than providing items. It was about ensuring students felt seen, supported, and valued during the holiday season. The success of this effort reflects what is possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

The Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition is a community prevention coalition dedicated to providing education, connections, support, and healthy activities for youth, families, and the broader community. By sharing this story, we hope to grow this program and continue supporting local teens in meaningful ways.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible.