The holiday season is here, but for many learners at AoH, their spirits are not so bright. With rising costs from inflation and disruptions to critical supports due to the fall government shutdown, many AoH learners are facing added uncertainty and challenges this season, forcing them to choose between their education and family needs.
Take Danielle, for example. She faces the tough decision of skipping her upcoming math exam to work an extra shift, just to ensure she can pay next month’s rent. This stark moment captures the difficult choices that learners like her are grappling with this holiday season.
Learners like Danielle need your support.
Your generosity could help a learner enjoy the holiday they deserve and stay in school by relieving some of the financial pressure they may be facing this time of year, allowing them to keep their focus on learning.
Helping a learner is simple and there are many ways you can help.
Amazon Wishlist & Holiday Gift Wrapping
By choosing a gift from our Amazon Wish Lists, you can provide a learner and their family with something from their want list— like a toy for their child that they might not be able to prioritize over essentials like groceries or paying a utility bill, especially during this time.
Your gift could help a learner experience the joy of the season without having to choose between putting food on the table and buying their child a toy for the holidays. View the wishlists below:
Please order by November 21 to ensure your gift reaches learners in time for the holidays. On December 2, we’ll host a Holiday Gift Wrapping Party to wrap all donated gifts. If you’re local and would like to help, we’d love to have you join us! Contact us at volunteer@aohdc.org to learn more.
Emergency Student Assistant Fund
Want to help a learner overcome unexpected challenges and stay in school? A gift to the Emergency Student Assistance Fund provides critical support for emergency expenses that might otherwise force a learner to pause or leave their classes. From covering urgent bills to providing essential resources, your generosity ensures learners can stay enrolled, complete their courses, and keep moving toward their goals. This season, every gift will be matched— doubling your impact and showing learners that someone believes in them and their success.
Make a gift to help a learner today!
Volunteer
The holidays can be a stressful time for learners, juggling school, essential expenses, and the added pressures of the season. Staying motivated and focused can be difficult, ultimately affecting a learner’s academic performance. Your time and support could make a difference.
There are many volunteer opportunities available at AoH. From tutoring to tackling food insecurity with our mobile market, your time and commitment promote learner success within our programs.
Learn more about the different volunteer positions available here.
Conclusion
2025 has been difficult for many. The government shutdown added uncertainty and challenges in AoH learners’ lives.
Your gift can help learners like Danielle lift this burden. Your kindness not only provides learners the support they need to remain focused on their education, but also the joy they deserve this holiday season.