Chapel Hill Service League Seeks Support for Christmas House Program

GUEST COLUMNS

By Cindy Shea

For 75 years, the Chapel Hill Service League has brightened the holidays for thousands of local school children through its beloved Christmas House program. During this especially difficult year for many families, the League invites the community to help spread holiday cheer and make Christmas House 2025 the best yet.

The League’s holiday season officially begins on November 19, 2025, at “Pasta with Purpose,” a festive dinner at The Carolina Club. Proceeds from the evening will directly support Christmas House, funding warm coats, books, toys, and educational games for local children in need.

At Christmas House, these items are beautifully displayed, and invited parents can select the perfect gifts for their children, creating a dignified and joyful shopping experience. School social workers identify families who could use a little extra help fulfilling their children’s holiday dreams. This year the League plans to serve more than 800 children across Orange County.

Local businesses and community organizations play a key role in making Christmas House possible — providing both cash and toy donations, volunteering at the event, and helping with setup and cleanup. Nonprofits such as the Rotary Club contribute bicycles and helmets. Community volunteers act as guides to help parents shop and restock displays.

Everyone can join in by donating toys for children aged 5-14 at designated collection sites throughout town. This year’s drop-off locations include the wish tree at Carr Mill Mall (across from Ali Cat Toys), the Meadowmont Wellness Center, the YMCA, the Chapel Hill Town Hall on MLK, and the Seymour Senior Center on Homestead Road.

Another way to contribute is attending the Book Fair at Barnes & Noble in New Hope Commons on December 5. Graphic novels and sports-related books are especially popular among the children, and these books will be featured for donation at the store throughout the holiday season.

To learn more about Christmas House 2025, make a donation, or find ways to volunteer, please visit the Chapel Hill Service League’s Christmas House website at https://www.chslchristmashouse.org.

-Cindy Shea ( cpshea1@gmail.com )