Holiday events brought families, aid and small business support to Helena

The Phillips County Chamber of Commerce calendar listed multiple community focused holiday events held in Helena and West Helena on December 13 and 14, drawing residents to libraries, downtown streets and nonprofit distribution sites. Organizers staged family storytime and seasonal activities, a backpack giveaway for qualifying children, a cooperative grocery fundraiser, an evening parade and a downtown holiday market, all designed to serve both immediate needs and local merchants.

On December 13 the Phillips County Library at 702 Porter hosted Christmas programming beginning at 10 00 a.m., offering family friendly storytime, information on library services and seasonal activities for children and caregivers. That same morning at 10 00 a.m. a backpack giveaway took place at 105 Missouri Street in Helena, where local nonprofits and community partners distributed school supply filled backpacks to qualifying children and families. Later at 11 00 a.m. Big River Grocery cooperative held a holiday market fundraiser at 629 Porter Street to support its ongoing operations and community food access programs.

Community life continued into the evening December 13 with the Cowboy Christmas Parade through downtown Helena, accompanied by vendors and performances that aimed to draw visitors and shoppers to the central business district. Hometown Holiday on the Square followed on December 14 with more downtown programming, local shops and vendors participating to extend holiday shopping opportunities and neighborhood gatherings.

These events provided practical assistance and economic support at a time when fourth quarter activity can be decisive for small retailers and community organizations. The backpack giveaway addressed immediate needs for school supplies ahead of the new semester period, while the Big River Grocery cooperative fundraiser sought to bolster local food security and the cooperative's ability to serve residents. Downtown markets and the parade helped generate foot traffic that supports local shops, and the calendar of events through late December included additional notices about Depot Discovery Day, decorating contests and fundraisers that offer further volunteer and assistance options.

For residents seeking services or volunteer opportunities, the series of events underscored the role of local nonprofits, the library and small businesses in providing seasonal support and keeping community commerce active during the holidays.