In 2021, Holiday House SRQ was born from a simple but powerful vision: to create magical holiday moments for the children at Title I schools, while also addressing everyday barriers that can hinder an education. The idea began as a way to ensure that every child could experience the joy of selecting gifts for themselves and their loved ones—without cost and without limitation. “We wanted to ensure that children that attend these schools could experience the same excitement, opportunities, and support that neighboring schools already receive through similar programs” shares Board Member Hilary Yunis. What started as a heartfelt gesture has quickly grown into a movement. In just a few short years, Holiday House SRQ has expanded its reach to half of all Title I schools in Sarasota County. Today, the organization proudly serves students at Gocio, Wilkinson, Alta Vista, Emma E. Booker, and Brentwood Elementary, creating holiday experiences that remind children they are seen, valued, and celebrated. But the mission doesn’t stop with the holidays. Spending extended time at these schools, made the organization realize that educational success is often hindered by unmet basic needs. To be qualified as a Title 1 schools means that 70% or more of the families of these schools are at or below the poverty line, meaning often times the students lack resources that others may take for granted. Holiday House SRQ now provides these resources such as new sneakers, school uniforms, paying off lunch debts and other essentials. By doing so, the organization is helping eliminate the barriers that stand between students and their education. “It’s powerful to know that a student doesn’t have to be sent home and miss a day of learning because they lack a uniform, or sit out of PE simply because they don’t have shoes that fit or meet the requirements. These small barriers can have a big impact, and removing them opens the door for every child to fully participate” co-founder Sepi Ackerman mentions. The impact is twofold: children experience the joy and dignity of giving during the holidays, while schools gain year-round support that fosters equity, confidence, and learning. Each gift, each pair of shoes, and each uniform is more than just an item—it’s an investment in a child’s potential. As Holiday House SRQ continues to grow, so does the opportunity for the community to be part of the story. Volunteers, donors, and local partners are the heartbeat of the organization, ensuring that every child served feels the magic of generosity and the promise of possibility. As a 100% volunteer run organization, every dollar directly supports one of their partner schools and students. To learn more, visit www.holidayhousesrq.org. Holiday House SRQ is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.