This holiday season was the busiest and brightest yet for the LCPS Head Start and STEP Holiday Helpers. Thanks to the incredible dedication of staff and the generosity of our community, 420 families received support and joy during the holidays. This is a remarkable increase from the 100 families served in 2024 and a true celebration of what our community can accomplish together.
For more than 30 years, the Holiday Helper program has continued to grow into a warm and welcoming “holiday store” for families. This year, more than 34 organizations and community members donated unwrapped items to transform the multipurpose room at the Historic Douglass High School into a winter wonderland on December 10 and 11. From late November through mid-December, thousands of donated treasures poured in, including new toys, family games, stuffed animals, clothes and everyday essentials. With so many generous contributions, every Head Start and STEP family was able to select gifts for their children and enough gift cards were donated to ensure every family received at least one additional item to support their financial needs.
Families were greeted with smiles, support and a joyful atmosphere created by staff who worked tirelessly to make the event meaningful. Love for the community, hard work and leadership helped remove stress during a busy season and gave families a chance to experience the magic of giving in a way that honored their dignity and choice.
The Head Start and STEP programs are federally and state-funded preschool programs for eligible families. Both programs serve children who will be 4 years old by September 30, and Head Start also serves children who will be 3 years old by September 30 in the Sterling area. These programs are deeply grateful for the donors across Loudoun County and beyond who continue to help them grow and support families each year.
Community members or organizations interested in getting involved in future events are welcome to contact the Head Start and STEP offices.