Comfort and Joy
Westfield Embraces Seasonal Spirit With RocksGiving and Holiday Giving Programs
Writer / Natalie Gargiulo
Photography Provided
Westfield is embracing the spirit of giving by rallying together for its annual RocksGiving initiative, alongside its Holiday Giving
program, set to uplift those in need during the upcoming festive season.
With a commitment to inclusivity and compassion, Westfield Washington Schools and the Westfield Education Foundation, in collaboration with generous partners including Duke Energy, the Duke Energy Foundation, Costco and Coca-Cola, are set to host the RocksGiving event.
Scheduled for Monday, November 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the RocksGiving event is set to offer a traditional holiday meal, complete with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green peas, rolls, and the holiday favorite, pumpkin pie.
The organizers emphasize the importance of collective participation, urging everyone to join the table and partake in the spirit of unity.
“This is a holiday meal for anyone in Hamilton County,” says Westfield Washington Schools Director of Community Engagement Ashley Knott. “We want everyone to come to the table. Whether you’re fiscally in need or want connection to the community, we want to feed everyone.”
Despite the challenges posed by increasing food costs, the organizers are determined to keep the event free of charge.
“We are welcoming additional fiscal partners to support this event,” Knott says. “The focus for us remains on ensuring that the warmth of the holiday season reaches every corner of the community.”
To volunteer or support RocksGiving, contact Ashley Knott at knotta@wws.k12.in.us.
In conjunction with RocksGiving, the Westfield community is gearing up for its Holiday Giving program to assist families with gifts for youths during the month of December.
“With the generosity of the community, neighbors and Open Hearts, we’ll be able to work together to make this happen,” Knott says. “It’s beautiful to see collaboration come together for goodwill.”
Each youth, aged 0 to 18, will receive six gifts including three items they need and three items they want, with an estimated total cost of $150 per youth. Parents will be sent home with the six gifts along with a roll of wrapping paper to give to their child.
The program extends its support beyond elementary schools to cater to intermediate, middle and high school students, as well as those who are not Westfield students.
“We are anticipating more than 650 students in need this holiday season,” Knott says. “The goal of this program is making sure
that all youth have an opportunity to have a great holiday season.”
A late list will be available for those signing up after October 27. School counselors and liaisons will facilitate this list to ensure the added youth are included.
By fostering an environment that values every individual, the initiative seeks to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youths, ensuring they feel valued, connected and supported. Through the collective efforts of RocksGiving and the Holiday Giving program, Westfield is setting a standard of community-driven compassion and support.
For more, visit wwswef.org/holidaygiving.
