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When Candice Olrich joined the Livingston Educational Service Agency as a student services specialist 13 years ago, she realized the reach its Education Project Christmas Program could have. She expanded the program — which provides Christmas to children who might not otherwise have one — by strengthening its community partnerships, refining its processes, and growing its reach year after year.
What began as a small initiative supporting 55 students has grown into a community-wide effort. This year, the program is reaching 128 students across 52 families, providing gifts to children and caregivers experiencing homelessness or significant financial instability. The program’s growth reflects both the rising needs in the community and the generosity of local partners who continue to rally behind it.
“These are the people who have had one thing after another happen throughout the year,” Olrich said, “and we get to give them a Christmas experience that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”…