Forget waiting until December – The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund is getting into the holiday spirit this summer! Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House are thrilled to announce Christmas in July, a fun, festive summer fundraising campaign to make sure every child on Cape Ann receives something special this holiday season. Think ugly sweaters optional, generosity required.

While the days are long and the beaches are busy, Cape Ann’s nonprofit community is already thinking about the 1,400 children across Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, and Ipswich who deserve a magical holiday season – no matter what their family’s budget looks like. With the cost of housing, groceries, and daily essentials continuing to stretch family budgets thin, getting a head start now means more toys, more books, more pajamas, and more smiles come December.

So, this July, we’re asking Cape Ann to do what it does best, show up for its neighbors, and have a great time while doing it.

About the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund

The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund is a collaboration between Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House, Inc. For Cape Ann families struggling to make ends meet with prices for daily needs at an all-time high, the Fund’s holiday toy drive provides much-needed relief and helps brighten the holiday season for local children. Over two days this December, nearly 700 parents and caregivers will take part in an in-store toy shopping experience, selecting age-appropriate gifts for more than 1,400 local children from toys donated by community members and gift cards purchased through donations. Volunteers throughout Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, and Ipswich help sort donations, set up the holiday store, and serve as personal shoppers.

Get Out, Give Back: Benefit Events Across Cape Ann

A growing roster of Cape Ann restaurants, venues, and businesses are hosting Cape Ann Kids benefit events this July, with a percentage of proceeds going directly to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. From dining out to special events, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. Confirmed participants include Machaca, Beauport Hotel, Gloucester House, Fox Creek Tavern, The Farm, and more. Participating partners span Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich. For the full updated list visit capeannkids.org.

Among the highlights, Christmas in July will take over the Birdseye Rooftop at Beauport Hotel on the evening of Saturday, July 25th for a festive evening of live music, décor, and sunset skies with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. This 21+ event requires advance tickets.  Details and tickets are available HERE.

The Grand Finale: Concert on Meetinghouse Green

Christmas in July wraps up on Friday, July 31 at 6:00 PM with a magical evening concert as part of Music on Meetinghouse Green, presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. The night features a performance by Rhiannon Hurst & Friends, with Pathways for Children as the evening’s beneficiary, every dollar raised goes directly to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, friends, and holiday spirit. In July.

How to Spread the Joy

• Get out and give back at a participating Cape Ann Kids benefit event this July
• Join us for the July 31 concert on Meetinghouse Green in Gloucester
• Donate online at capeannkids.org
• Spread the word with friends, family, and fellow Cape Ann neighbors