A Season of Service: Reflecting on Thanksgiving & Christmas Holiday Givebacks
By Hannah Cassimere, Executive Director, Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation
​
Looking back on 2025, I am proud to reflect on how the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation showed up for families and communities during the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas are moments of celebration, but they can also magnify hardship. Our responsibility, one we take seriously, is to ensure that families feel supported, valued, and seen during these times.
​
Our Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Giveback initiatives were rooted in dignity, compassion, and impact. These efforts were not simply about seasonal assistance; they reflected our year-round commitment to strengthening families and uplifting youth.
​
During Thanksgiving, our focus was clear: addressing food insecurity while preserving the spirit of togetherness that defines the holiday. Through the support of dedicated partners and volunteers, we provided Thanksgiving meals and essential resources to hundreds of families in need.
​
What stood out most was the connection. Parents were able to gather their families with confidence, and young people experienced the warmth of the holiday without the stress of unmet needs. These moments reinforce why this work matters.
​
At Christmas, our efforts centered on joy, emotional well-being, and stability for children and families. We distributed gifts and necessities that helped make the season brighter, particularly for youth who have faced significant challenges throughout the year. For many children, these experiences restored a sense of normalcy and excitement. That joy is not small; it is foundational to a child’s confidence, hope, and belief in what’s possible.
​
None of this impact happens in isolation. Our 2025 holiday initiatives were made possible through the generosity of corporate partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders who believe in the power of service. Together, we translated generosity into meaningful, on-the-ground impact.
Our holiday givebacks are a direct extension of the Foundation’s broader mission to advance education, mentorship, social well-being, and mental health and wellness. When families are supported, young people are better positioned to thrive, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.
​
I am deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us in 2025. These efforts reinforce an important truth: service is not seasonal, it is a sustained commitment to showing up for communities with intention and care. If you are interested in joining us in this work in the year ahead, I invite you to connect with me.