Since its inception in 2001, the Holiday Hope Chest program at Lehigh University has been a cherished tradition, uniting students, alumni, and the South Bethlehem community during the holiday season. The initiative, led by Lehigh's Community Service Office (CSO), provides gifts to children in after-school homework clubs at Fountain Hill Elementary and Broughal Middle School.
“What makes this program so special is not just the act of giving, but the enduring relationships it fosters — relationships that often continue for years,” says Carolina Hernandez, assistant dean and director of the CSO.
Stella Garriga ’21 and Allison Graham ’22 embody this long-lasting commitment to the program. Both were deeply involved at Lehigh and have continued to contribute long after graduation.
A Legacy of Caring
Stella Garriga ’21
B.S. Cognitive Science
Second-year Clinical and Health Psychology Doctoral Student, University of Florida
For Garriga, participating in Holiday Hope Chest was not just about the joy of giving — it was about creating meaningful connections. As a site leader at the Nativity Homework Club, Stella saw firsthand how much the children looked forward to receiving their gift bags. Their excitement inspired her to do more.
"Seeing the kids’ faces when they received their gifts always made my day," Stella reflects. "I could not turn down the opportunity to be more involved when it presented itself."
In the winter of 2020, Stella stepped up to coordinate the program. She and her fellow coordinator shifted the process to Amazon wish lists, making it easier for donors to contribute. They worked tirelessly to sort through packages, assign gifts to children, and assemble the gift bags.
Even after graduation, Stella continues to make purchases from the Amazon wish lists for the kids she once knew, ensuring they receive the support they need.
"It feels only right to keep paying it forward," she shares. "The community of Bethlehem gave us so much — space to learn, grow, and explore — and it’s important to give back, even if I’m no longer there."
For Stella, the joy of contributing to the Holiday Hope Chest is not just about material gifts. It's about the sense of connection it fosters. "If contributing through presents is within your means, I would absolutely recommend it. The joy these gifts bring is extra special."
A Lifelong Commitment to Giving
Allison Graham ’22
B.A. Psychology
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Associate, Early Care and Learning Council
The Holiday Hope Chest program holds a special place in Graham’s heart. Her journey with the program began as a freshman when she was part of a community service-themed dorm. As a group, they went out and bought gifts for the children. By her senior year, she had taken on a leadership role, coordinating the program with a fellow CSO member. They worked behind the scenes to bring the program to life, from creating promotional material to managing the logistics of gift distribution.
"Holiday Hope Chest always brought joy to me," Graham explains. "It made me nostalgic for my own childhood. I have benefited so much from communities giving back, and I wanted to continue that work."
Graham’s involvement has not waned after graduation. Every year, she eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Holiday Hope Chest season and often reaches out to the CSO team to express her excitement. "A part of me remains at Lehigh through the Community Service Office," she says. "It’s one small act I can do to spread the holiday spirit."
Graham is passionate about making sure every child feels cared for, especially during the holidays. "I dream of a world where no kid has to go without or ever feel left out, especially at Christmas," she shares.
Her commitment to giving back extends beyond the Lehigh community. In Albany, New York, where she now lives, she volunteers at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, which runs a similar Holiday Hope Chest program for animals. "Whether it’s toys, food, or bedding for the animals, it really goes a long way," Graham explains.
A Growing Tradition
What makes Holiday Hope Chest so meaningful for alumni like Garriga and Graham is the ability to stay connected to the families they helped.
As Graham says, "It doesn’t need to be expensive items. You don’t have to break the bank. Even small contributions make a huge impact."
Garriga echoes the sentiment: "Holiday Hope Chest is an easy and rewarding way to give back to a community that provides Lehigh students with so much. I would urge everyone to participate, however they can.”
Contact Hernandez at cah6@lehigh.edu if you’d like to participate.
