Arlington Department of Health and Human Services Thanks Patsy Kraemer for Nearly 40 Years Leading Holiday Help Program

Program to Continue in 2022 Under Leadership of Town Staff

ARLINGTON — Director of Health and Human Services Christine Bongiorno shares that the Arlington Holiday Help Program will continue under new leadership in 2022.

The Arlington Holiday Help Program is a project run through Arlington Health and Human Services. It is an entirely volunteer-managed project that provides direct support and gifts to Arlington youth during the December holiday season. Community groups, religious organizations and residents come together to support the program each year through financial contributions and volunteered time.

After nearly four decades leading the program, Patsy Kraemer is stepping down this year. The program will be managed by town staff, led by Director of the Arlington Youth Counseling Center Colleen Leger and supported by many volunteers.

“We are so thankful to Patsy Kraemer for her leadership in managing this project for so many years. Her organization and connections in the community have really made this project a lasting support program for families during the end of year holiday season,” Director Bongiorno said.

As part of the Holiday Help Program, families are referred for support by service providers in Arlington. The program is open to all youth in need regardless of religious belief.

Prior to 2020, the program provided gifts that were purchased by givers, organized by volunteers and distributed to receiving families. Over the past two years, the program’s focus has shifted and families have received gift cards with a set amount of funding per child, allowing them to directly choose items for their child.

For the past several years, the program has supported nearly 300 Arlington youth under the age of 18.

“Without the generosity of our community, we wouldn’t have been able to provide this support to our families and young residents over the years,” Kraemer said. 

To make a financial contribution to support the program, please visit: ahhscc.org.

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