From difficult times come ideas that sometimes have staying power. Crescent Cove’s Holiday Drive-Thru was one such idea.
In the first few years that our Home was open, we hosted a holiday party inside the House for our families and kids. During the pandemic, we had to find a creative way to get families together while keeping everyone healthy and safe. We decided to try a drive-thru idea, having families stay in their cars and receive gifts while cruising up the long driveway to our Home.
This year marked the 4th year of celebrating in this way. A record-breaking 37 families attended. Our driveway was lined with over a dozen groups sponsoring gift tables. Not only were they spending time on a Sunday evening handing out gifts, but many had previously spent hours handcrafting or wrapping the gifts, or solicited donations or money to support their gift ideas for families.
One community group handed out hot chocolate and a gift bag of a variety of items to families. Another table sponsor gave each family a wreath that had been lovingly made at a craft party the week before. At the next table, a group focused on caring for the caregiver and created self-care packages for moms. And all were serenaded – volunteers and families alike – by a choir singing carols.
A few sponsors hosted their first holiday table this year. Twin Lake neighbors and pontoon ride captains Chuck and Annette were one of them, lamenting their lack of holiday lights at their station in comparison to other table sponsors. “Next year,” Annette promised, “We will be all decked out!”
A Crescent Cove family hosted a table for the first time this year as well. Kristy and Norm’s daughter, Lauren, had come to Crescent Cove for respite care for five years and passed away this summer. Their family handed out homemade cookies and gift bags. “I’m honored to be on this side of the table,” says Kristy, “supporting families the way we were always supported.”
Vehicles meandered through with windows rolled down, van doors open, or otherwise ready to accept gifts from each table sponsor who loved seeing all the joy-filled faces.
We received the greatest gift from our families in return – smiles, laughter, and words of gratitude.
"We felt so much love. Thank you." Amy F.
"Elijah enjoyed all the holiday cheer. Thank you Crescent Cove!" Michelle D.G.
"We are so thankful for this event. Elizabeth said, 'It's like with each thing put in our car is more love!'" Jill V.
"This brings so much joy to our family every year. Thank you to all who make it happen." Emily G.
"Thank you for all the love you show us and every other family." Jessica S.
We are so grateful to all the organizations and volunteers who helped make this evening enjoyable for kids and families.