How three Indianapolis charter schools are stepping up this holiday season
As we step further into the holiday season, Indianapolis schools are showing what it means to truly show up for families. Schools are more than just their four walls; they are a part of the community around them. Across our city, school communities are rallying around students with food assistance, gift drives, emergency support, and celebrations that make this time of year a little brighter for everyone.
Educators and community partners are going beyond academics to ensure families feel supported, seen, and cared for. Whether it’s a campus transformed into a festive dinner space, a family invited to choose the exact items they need, or a parent finding critical housing assistance in a moment of crisis, these efforts reflect the deep relationships schools nurture all year long.
This season, we’re highlighting how Christel House Indy, Enlace Academy, and KIPP Indy are leading with compassion and creativity to meet the needs of their communities.
Christel House Indy: A Season of Abundance
At Christel House Indianapolis (CHI), a local network of K-12 and adult high schools, staff and community partners have come together to provide a robust level of support for families this holiday season. While the school traditionally provides Christmas assistance, and its Dropout Recovery School (DORS) campus students receive Thanksgiving support through Colts Thanksgiving turkey vouchers, this year saw an unexpected surge of generosity. Lilly’s Technology Center organized a fall food drive for CHI, and a single social media post about families’ struggles with SNAP led to a major donation from the brother of a current student. Thanks to these combined efforts, CHI has already supported 190 families with food and essentials, and expects to assist at least 15 to 20 more in the coming weeks.
They also hosted a large, community-centered dinner last week, transforming one of their campuses into a festive gathering place where families chose the items they needed and stayed for a shared meal. The donor who funded the dinner, who also owns a DJ business, brought music and celebration to the event, creating a joyful atmosphere for students and caregivers. Looking ahead, the school is preparing for its annual Christmas assistance program, aiming to provide three gifts per student on their list. December will include community wrapping days where families can wrap gifts while enjoying doughnuts, coffee, and juice, intentionally creating space for families to be part of a process that often happens behind the scenes.
Enlace Academy: Community at the Center
Enlace Academy, a K-8 charter school on the westside, continues to anchor its community through its annual Holiday Assistance Program, which invites families to request support ranging from food and basic needs to winter gifts. This year’s program is backed by a wide network of partners, including the Indiana Motor Speedway, Indiana Youth Institute’s Kids Count Data Center, International District Community Center, Wayne Township, and Toys for Tots, who help sponsor families, donate toys, and contribute funding. Last year, these collective efforts allowed Enlace to support 224 individual students, and the school is well on its way to matching that number again. The school also empowers the broader community to get involved through public donation links, enabling friends and supporters to sponsor a family or contribute directly to seasonal needs.
Beyond holiday giving, Enlace maintains a year-round commitment to meeting urgent needs through its schoolwide Emergency Fund. This fund, supported by ongoing donations, helps families facing sudden challenges with housing, transportation, or food access. Social workers and operations staff act quickly to connect families with resources, and the fund fills gaps that traditional supports, such as food pantry partners, may not cover, especially around hygiene and health essentials. With its bi-weekly food pantry and a deeply embedded commitment to community care, Enlace continues living out its founding vision of serving as a reliable hub for students and families.
KIPP Indy: Empowering Families Through Connection
At KIPP Indy, a local network of K-12 schools in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, the focus is on providing families with tools to navigate the full landscape of community resources while reducing the pressure on schools to be a one-stop shop. The school’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team and Community Council jointly manage the KIPP Indy Family Resource Guide, a living document updated as new partner organizations come on board. This guide is widely shared with families and community partners to ensure KIPP households can access everything from housing support to adult learning programs. KIPP also sends out weekly “Community Corner” updates via Parent Square, providing families with direct information about workshops, continuing education opportunities, youth programming, and local events.
In addition to connecting families with outside supports, KIPP Indy has partnered with Keller and Keller to provide direct assistance during the holiday season. Right before fall break, the school distributed 250 grocery bags filled with staples, including bread, pasta, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, and pantry goods to help families fill their kitchens as colder months approach. These bags were also shared with families at School 51 and Edna Martin Christian Center’s (EMCC) Early Learning Center, extending support beyond KIPP’s own students. These initiatives reflect KIPP’s broader commitment to equipping families with knowledge, resources, and access to community partners—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
Carrying the Spirit Beyond the Season
As we celebrate the season, these stories remind us that strong schools don’t just educate students, they sustain families, build trust, and strengthen entire neighborhoods. Their work shows what’s possible when educators and families walk alongside one another, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.