It may not surprise anyone to know that the inspiration for Seacoast Holiday came from the heart of a child. Eight years ago, Justin Pike’s young daughter shared with him her awareness about the poverty that some of her peers were facing, with honest questions about what could be done to help them. Pike, whose grandfather was a World War II veteran, had grown up watching him act selflessly for the benefit of those around him. “He was a constant example of giving back,” Pike recalls. “Now I tell my kids: I do enough wrong, I can do a little right.”
That “little right” has grown exponentially over the last eight years. In its first year, Seacoast Holiday fed 12 families, using the networking opportunities of social media to build a small team of a handful of people who shopped and coordinated deliveries. From the start, the intention was to offer pre-made meals, but also to provide ingredients so that those in need could create meals they could be proud of.
Since then, the integrity of the mission has remained the same; only the scale has changed. Last year, Seacoast Holiday fed 1800 people. The team has added a holiday gift drive that supports hundreds of children. This year, 70 volunteers have committed to doing the shopping.
The arms of the project stretch beyond its core team members to include collaboration from local businesses. Market Basket and Community Campus have provided space where the team can assemble food and gather items for the gift drive. Social workers and case managers at Seacoast Mental Health, as well as staff members of the Portsmouth Housing Authority and the school system, have helped to make connections with families in need. The Roundabout Diner has offered meals at no cost.
Today, volunteers abound. Pike emphasizes that this project isn't the brainchild of a single human, but more the result of a “small army.” He explains, “I can put out a call on Facebook and within an hour have a response. There’s no one person that could ever orchestrate this. Individually, it would be impossible. Collectively, we make a difference.”
The opportunity to support individuals on a deep level has yielded unforgettable memories and a keen awareness of just how tremendously difficult the burden of poverty can be. Pike describes an elderly Portsmouth woman who had no family and was alone for the holidays. After she received a gift purchased for her by a volunteer, Pike received a note from her saying it was the first time in several years that she had gotten a gift at all. He also recalls a voicemail of appreciation left by a mother who let him know that her son had cried out of fear of not having a meal. It’s the reality of that very fear that Seacoast Holiday aims to address with its cooperative efforts.
To receive assistance, individuals can fill out an application, or organizations can make referrals. “We don’t ask questions, and we don’t say no to anyone,” says Pike.
Pike has seen the project’s mission come full circle: Some folks who have been helped in the past have then turned around and become volunteers. “As much of an honor as it has been to find people to provide and volunteer,” he notes, “I value just as much the friendships I have made with the families we have helped.”
Seacoast Holiday is not alone among the many generous organizations that exist in this corner of the world. Together, and throughout the year, these groups serve as beacons in a time when the world can seem especially dark.
“There’s so much negativity and bad that happens,” Pike says. “See the goodness in people, especially at a time of year when people need it most. It can make a world of difference. No one will ever be talking about the car you drove, the number of zeros in your bank account, or the square footage of the house you lived in. They will remember you for how you made them feel. Helping others will be a legacy I will be most proud of.”
Despite the encroaching cold, visitors are drawn to the Seacoast during the holidays for its nostalgic romance against the backdrop of rugged New England resilience. Those who have dropped anchor here, however, know that our resilience is rooted deeply in the strength of our community. A steadfast commitment to outreach motivates the robust team of volunteers for Seacoast Holiday; they return to their mission every year, supporting individuals and families who endure poverty and food insecurity, and making lasting human connections.
If you would like to volunteer to work with Seacoast Holiday, or if you know of someone in need who might benefit, send an email to Communications@seacoastholiday.com.
No one will ever be talking about the car you drove, the number of zeros in your bank account, or the square footage of the house you lived in. They will remember you for how you made them feel.