FHC Students Fund $27,400 Holiday Lifeline for Local Families

Students and staff at Forest Hills Central (FHC) High School have raised over $27,400 for the Family Promise of West Michigan Christmas store. The annual event provides a dignified holiday shopping experience for families who have recently achieved housing stability. This year’s fundraiser, organized by teachers Patricia Richardson and Kristy Butler, will directly support the 2025 store.

The funds allow parents to purchase gifts and essential household items at a fraction of their retail cost. This initiative restores a sense of normalcy and joy for families who have overcome significant challenges.

More Than a Store: A Community Effort

The Christmas store operates on a simple but powerful model. According to teacher Kristy Butler, volunteers buy a toy for twenty dollars. Families then purchase that same item for just one dollar.

This approach empowers parents to be the heroes of their own holiday stories. It moves beyond handouts, fostering dignity and choice during a season that can often be financially stressful.

The Ripple Effect of Student Volunteerism

FHC’s involvement extends far beyond fundraising. Dozens of students volunteer their time to run the store at Cornerstone Church in Grand Rapids. They set up displays, assist shoppers, and host activities for children.

For many students, the experience is transformative. It offers a tangible connection to their community and a new perspective on the holiday spirit. The partnership between FHC and Family Promise has flourished for thirteen consecutive years.

The program has become a vital tradition for both the families served and the students who volunteer. It demonstrates how sustained community engagement can create lasting, positive change.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the Family Promise Christmas store?

The Christmas store is an annual event run by Family Promise of West Michigan. It allows families who have completed their housing stability program to buy new gifts and household essentials at deeply discounted, symbolic prices.

How does the FHC fundraising help?

The money raised by FHC students and staff is the primary funding source for purchasing all the goods sold at the store. This ensures that every dollar paid by a family is purely symbolic, not a revenue source.

What do FHC volunteers do at the event?

Students help set up the store, organize gifts, and assist parents with shopping. They also run a festive children’s area with activities like cookie decorating and games, allowing parents to shop peacefully.

Why is this model better than direct donations?

The store model preserves parental dignity. It allows parents to actively select and purchase gifts for their children, transforming them from passive recipients into empowered providers during the holidays.

How long has FHC been involved?

The partnership between Forest Hills Central and Family Promise of West Michigan has been successfully running for thirteen years. It has become an integral and expected part of the school’s community outreach calendar.