Help-A-Husky Brings Holiday Magic to North Elementary Families

Each holiday season, North Elementary comes together to support families through its Help-A-Husky Holiday Assistance Program, led by school social worker Amanda Wood. This year marks one of the program’s greatest efforts to date, with 54 families, representing 129 children, receiving support from the North community.

The program is designed to alleviate the stress that the holidays can bring to families who may need extra support. All North families are invited to participate, no questions asked. Families complete wish lists that include basic needs, interests, and favorite hobbies, allowing donors to provide thoughtful, personalized gifts.

Once wish lists are collected, community members, local businesses, and organizations across McHenry County, as well as North staff, step in to help. Donors shop, wrap, and label gifts before returning them to the school, where the Husky Den transforms into a bustling holiday “workshop.” Families are then invited to pick up their gifts and bring them home to enjoy during their celebrations. In addition to gifts, donated gift cards help families cover essential expenses such as food, gas, and household necessities.

“This program truly shows what it means to come together as a community,” Wood shared. “Every year, I’m amazed by the generosity and care shown to our families. Help-A-Husky is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.”

Help-A-Husky reflects North Elementary’s ongoing commitment to supporting students and families in meaningful, compassionate ways, and highlights the magic that happens when a community rallies together during the holiday season.