FEATURE The Heart of the Holidays: Giving Back Together

Writer, farmer and champion of local living, Wendell Berry wrote, "A viable community is made up of neighbors who cherish and protect what they have in common." Here in Southern New Hampshire and Vermont, one of the greatest things we have in common is each other. Rural living, especially in winter, can be tough, from stacking enough wood to making sure there's a hot meal on the table every night. What sets our community apart is knowing that no one must face the hard parts of the season alone. &emsp;A perfect example comes from the Fitzwilliam District Nursing Association (FDNA), an organization that has been serving the town for 105 years. &emsp;"It originated with the country doctor in town, Dr. Emerson, and his spouse," says Laureen Lafond, who has been part of the Association for more than four decades. &emsp;Over time, the organization has evolved, but Lafond says the bottom line remains the same: "To connect people with services and make sure they know there's always somebody there who wants to help." &emsp;Today, the FDNA puts that mission into action through a partnership with Dog Days Farm in Fitzwilliam, delivering fresh food to locals all summer long. &emsp;"And most recently, we partnered with The Community Kitchen and Healthy Monadnock Alliance to bring a mobile food pantry to town," Lafond notes. In addition, a "blessing box," or mini pantry, sits outside the Fitzwilliam Community Church, which also hosts a free luncheon on the second Tuesday of each month. &emsp;But perhaps the FDNA's biggest initiative of the year is its holiday program, when the Association collects and purchases food gifts for residents in need, including a full holiday meal with meat, produce, beverages and breads. &emsp;"We also try to include many nonperishable food staples to last well beyond the new year," Lafond says. &emsp;Anyone can sign up; there are no qualifiers or complicated forms, just neighbors helping neighbors. "If you think you need this distribution of food, we'll put it together and bring it to you," Lafond says. &emsp;The program runs on community donations, and somehow, every year, what's needed always seems to match what's given. &emsp;"The community provides for their community. It's such a beautiful thing," she says. &emsp;Other local organizations chip in, too. Massin Insurance Agency holds an annual food drive, locals drop off reusable grocery bags for packing, and several local companies send employee volunteers to prepare the food for delivery. The Agency will be hosting the 2025 food drive collecting non-expired non-perishable food items from Nov. 12-Dec. 5. &emsp;"There's just an amazing, all-around connectedness," Lafond says. &emsp;To get involved, contact Laureen at lpwlafond@gmail.com or 603-585-9410. Monetary donations made out to FDNA can also be mailed to Treasurer Kitty Doty at 97 Howeville Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447. &emsp;That same spirit of connection is alive across the Monadnock Region. In Keene, neighbors are preparing for the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative Holiday Bazaar, a beloved event that brings joy to more than 600 local children each year. During the bazaar, children choose gifts for their family members at no cost, with help from volunteers who wrap each present to make the experience extra special. &emsp;The organization is calling for donations of new or like-new items to stock the bazaar's shelves. Gift ideas include stuffed animals, books, craft kits, and games for kids; photo frames, blankets, and journals for teens; gardening tools, slippers, jewelry for moms and grandmas; and mugs, multi-tools, and grilling gear for dads and granddads. Donations of wrapping supplies — paper, bags, tape and ribbons — are also welcome. &emsp;Drop donations off through Dec. 5 at Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, 5 Harmony Lane, Keene, NH 03431. For questions or more information, call 603-352-0109 or email info@khkc.org. &emsp;Holiday plans are also afoot at Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW), where staff are teaming up with WKNE and Douglas Toys for the annual Good Friends Campaign. &emsp;"This partnership has always been something special," says SBW's Community Engagement Officer, Kristen Noonan. "It focuses on a shared mission to support local nonprofits that have a big impact on the community." &emsp;During the campaign, locals can purchase a specially selected Douglas Cuddle Toy at any SBW location for $10, with 100% of the proceeds going to a great cause. Last year's Good Friends campaign broke a record, raising $45,310 for Feeding Tiny Tummies (FTT), an organization "committed to nourishing the tummies and minds of the next generation." &emsp;Since SBW is also a Toys for Tots collection site, bank patrons often purchase a toy, walk directly over, and place it in the bin. &emsp;"One community member even buys 50 toys each year to donate to first responders so children facing emergencies have a soft Douglas Cuddle Toy for comfort," Noonan says. "The generosity and creativity our neighbors show year after year never fail to amaze us." &emsp;And for 2025, it gets even better. "We're thrilled to share that three nonprofit organizations will benefit from Good Friends sales: Feeding Tiny Tummies, The Community Kitchen, and Keene Housing Kids Collaborative," Noonan says. &emsp;Each will receive an equal share of the proceeds, reflecting the campaign's growing success. &emsp;"This way, even more people benefit, and that feels really good," she says. &emsp;She's right: Doing good feels amazing, and so does snuggling up to one of these sweet, stuffed "Good Friends." &emsp;"I like to perform what I call the 'Kristen squeeze test,'" Noonan says with a laugh. "I make sure every toy feels just right … They always do, but I still like to check." &emsp;This year's lineup includes Bristle the Hedgehog, Codie the Corgi, a baby doll dressed as a bee, and a sweet little backpack playset perfect for pretend school days. &emsp;"Choosing the toys is one of our favorite parts of the whole campaign," Noonan notes. &emsp;If you'd like to perform your own squeeze test and support a great cause, stop by any SBW location to purchase a stuffie. You can also help by liking and sharing posts on SBW and WKNE's social media pages or simply by telling friends about the campaign. "Every bit helps!" Noonan adds. &emsp;And because bankers love their numbers, if the campaign total doesn't end as a perfect multiple of 10, SBW will make up the difference. &emsp;"It's a fun little tradition that keeps the math and the mission balanced," Noonan says. &emsp;Together, these efforts tell the story of a community that never stops caring. From holiday meals to gifts and toys, the Monadnock Region's brightest moments come from the goodness of its people. Each act of giving reminds us of what Wendell Berry meant: that what we truly have in common is one another.