Hundreds of Indianapolis students are embracing the holiday season by giving back to their community. Through the DREAM Alive Program’s 20th annual service project, middle schoolers shopped for local children and families facing hardship. The event not only provided gifts but also taught the young participants powerful lessons in compassion, gratitude, and financial responsibility, turning a shopping trip into a meaningful educational experience.
A Hands-On Lesson in Giving Back
The event took place at a Meijer on Keystone Avenue, bustling with young shoppers on a mission. Middle school students from the DREAM Alive program were each given a $100 budget and a specific wish list for a child in need. Paired with adult volunteers, they navigated the aisles to find the perfect gifts.
“It’s just about giving out to other people and helping other kids when they need it,” said Zariah Henry, a 13-year-old participant who was thoughtfully selecting items for another child.
This unique project flips the script for many students. Stephen Smith, Vice President of the DREAM Alive Program, explained the importance of this perspective. “Our students are on the other end of that. They are giving gifts and providing a Christmas for families in need,” he said, highlighting the program’s focus on fostering empathy.
More than Just a Shopping Trip
Beyond the act of charity, the students received a practical education in money management. Regions Bank hosted a budgeting workshop before the shopping began, equipping the participants with skills to make smart purchasing decisions and make their $100 budget go further.
This financial lesson was a key part of the experience. “For a lot of them, it’s a light bulb moment,” Smith noted. “They get a chance to see what their parents go through, and they expressed a lot of gratitude.”
This combination of empathy and real-world skills is at the core of DREAM Alive’s mission. The organization is dedicated to helping Indianapolis youth discover career paths and providing mentorship to help break the cycle of poverty.
A Growing Impact on the Community
This year’s holiday project was the largest to date, demonstrating the program’s expanding influence. The initiative was able to grow significantly thanks to support from the city’s Elevation Grant.
The scale of this year’s event included:
- 200 student participants from across Indianapolis.
- Over 100 local children received gifts.
- A $100 shopping budget for each child’s wish list.
For many students, the impact goes beyond the gifts. “I think we can form a connection with them, and one day they might be inspired by what we’re doing and hope to do it themselves when they’re older,” said 15-year-old participant Melissa Mercier.
From Shopping Carts to a Grand Celebration
The students’ work isn’t finished yet. The next step involves a gift-wrapping session where they will prepare the presents they carefully selected.
The project will conclude with DREAM Alive’s annual DREAM Christmas celebration. The event will be held on December 4th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the students will personally hand the wrapped gifts to the families. This celebration serves as a heartwarming finale, connecting the givers and receivers and showcasing the true spirit of community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DREAM Alive Program?
DREAM Alive is a non-profit organization in Indianapolis focused on breaking the cycle of poverty. It provides mentorship and career development opportunities for middle and high school students to help them discover their potential.
How did the students pay for the gifts?
Each student shopper was provided with a $100 budget to purchase items from a wish list belonging to a child in need. The program is supported by grants and community partners.
Was this event just about giving gifts?
No, it was also an educational experience. Students participated in a financial literacy workshop hosted by Regions Bank, where they learned valuable skills about budgeting and making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
What happens after the shopping is done?
After purchasing the gifts, the students will wrap them. They will then personally hand them out to the children and their families during the DREAM Christmas celebration at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 4th.
How many people did this year’s event help?
This year, 200 students from the program shopped for over 100 children from families in the Indianapolis area who are facing financial difficulties.
