Holly Jolly Giveaway 2025
The Holly Jolly Giveaway is a community service project that spreads holiday cheer by gifting families in need. Loved ones nominate deserving families through a form, sharing their stories. Up to five families are selected to receive baskets filled with gifts, household items, and necessities. Funds are raised through donations, adopting families, and the sale of homemade holiday cookie boxes. The giveaway brings joy to both givers and recipients, making the holiday season brighter for everyone involved! 🎄❤️
How Did We Get Started?
The Holly Jolly Giveaway began in 2019 with a few friends who wanted to spread some cheer and support local families. Inspired by a high school project we had worked on as Irish Mentors, the idea of creating gift baskets took shape. Instead of self-nominations, I introduced the concept of nominating families—an idea inspired by The Bucket List Family’s holiday giveaways. The project grew from there, and in 2020, GAP adopted the giveaway.
When I had GAP senior crews in 2021 and 2022, they helped make the giveaway possible, and now every GAP senior can participate, along with support from my family and friends. To raise funds, we started selling cookie boxes, which quickly became a hit. Before we knew it, we were baking nearly 2,000 cookies in a small kitchen! In 2023, we upgraded to a larger space when Maple Lake Schools generously opened their kitchen for our baking day. What started as a small idea has grown into a beloved community tradition, spreading joy one family—and one cookie—at a time.
Let's make year 7 a success!
Ways to help!
Donations
We're seeking support from small businesses and individuals through monetary donations, gift cards, or gifts. You can also contribute items related to your business! Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in creating thoughtful baskets for families in need.
Adopt a Family
Spread holiday cheer by adopting a family! You can select the size of the family you'd like to shop for and receive a list of their likes, dislikes, and needs. Your gift bundle will include something special for the children, parents, and a family gift. We’ll work with you to customize the experience to fit your budget and preferences.
Buy a Cookie Box
Get your holiday treats and support a great cause with our cookie boxes! Each box is filled with assorted homemade holiday cookies and treats, baked with love by GAP and crew. Sales run Nov. 10 through Dec. 1, with pickup available on Dec. 13th-17th. Boxes are just $15, and 100% of the proceeds go toward baskets for families in need.
Nominate A Family!
Help us spread holiday cheer by nominating a Wright County family in need! 🎄 Simply fill out the Google form (linked below) with your contact information and share the story of the family you’re nominating. The more detailed and thoughtful, the better! Once nominations close, up to 5 families will be selected to receive customized gift baskets filled with essentials and holiday surprises. We’ll coordinate delivery with you, the nominator, to keep the basket drop-off a fun surprise! 🎁 Let’s make this season brighter for those who need it most! ❤️