The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC), in partnership with the Gary Public Library, will host a community-centered Holiday Help Fair on Friday, December 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gary Public Library & Cultural Center, 220 W. 5th Avenue in Gary. The event is free and open to the public, and organizers encourage families to bring photo identification and proof of residency.
More than a festive gathering, the Holiday Help Fair is designed as a youth-empowerment and family-support experience that blends holiday cheer with practical resources. The event will offer community services, activities, and hands-on learning opportunities for young people, parents, and caregivers across Gary.
Crystal O’Brien, Public Relations Specialist for GCSC, said the Fair was created to give students “more than holiday activities,” emphasizing that youth need access to skills, pathways, and community support that extend into the new year. “This is a powerful opportunity to connect young people to resources that impact their future,” she said.
The Fair will include a wide variety of youth-centered programming:
Teen & Young Adult Empowerment:
Students will receive guidance on scholarships, FAFSA navigation, financial aid preparation, and post-graduation planning. Workforce mentors and community partners will also be present to offer career readiness tools and discuss college and career pathways. Mental-health resources and self-expression activities will be available to support emotional well-being during what can be a difficult time of year for many students.
STEM & Creative Innovation:
In a nod to the holiday classic Home Alone, students will explore STEM projects inspired by themes from the movie. Hands-on innovation stations will allow participants to use makerspace tools such as Cricut machines, T-shirt presses, and laser cutters. Youth will be able to create original items and take their projects home as keepsakes.
Literacy & Early Learning Activities:
The Gary Public Library will feature guest readers, children’s authors, and story-time sessions for younger learners. Families can participate in reading games, literacy-focused play, and letter-writing stations for Santa. Organizers say these activities are important because strong literacy foundations are connected to long-term academic success.
In addition to youth programming, the Holiday Help Fair will include a wide range of services for families. Representatives from local organizations will provide information about down-payment assistance programs, homeownership opportunities, rental and utility support, and financial-assistance resources. A Uniform Exchange Program will allow families to redeem points for gently used school uniforms—an initiative designed to ease financial strain on households.
Partners for the event include the Center of Workforce Innovations, WorkOne, Flourish Community Hub, the Calumet Township Trustee’s Office, City of Gary Parks Department, and several community-based programs committed to supporting youth and families in Northwest Indiana.
Organizers are encouraging youth groups, after-school programs, sports teams, church ministries, and mentoring organizations to attend together. They are also asking community partners to help spread the word by sharing the event flyer through social media, newsletters, and parent communication systems.
GCSC leaders say the Holiday Help Fair reflects a broader commitment to helping Gary families thrive, especially during a time of year when many feel increased financial and emotional stress.
For more information about the Holiday Help Fair or to request promotional materials, contact the Gary Community School Corporation at 219-886-6517.