~ As the holiday season approaches, the City of Colorado Springs is taking a proactive approach to combatting loneliness and promoting community spirit. In an effort to bring people together and reduce feelings of isolation, the city has launched the 100 Holiday Gatherings campaign.

According to a report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 66% of people experience loneliness during the holidays. This can be attributed to various factors such as distance from family, financial stress, and societal pressure to have a perfect holiday season. In response to this issue, the City is encouraging residents to join in on the goal of hosting 100 holiday gatherings in Colorado Springs.

The campaign is an extension of the successful 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative that took place over the summer. During this time, residents made significant strides in creating a sense of community and combatting loneliness. The City hopes to continue this momentum through the holiday season.

Joe Hollmann, marketing and engagement manager for the City, emphasizes the importance of connecting with neighbors during this time. He states, "For many, the holidays can amplify feelings of loneliness, sadness, and stress. By hosting a holiday gathering with your neighbors, you are not only celebrating the season but also building a social support system within your neighborhood."

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To make hosting a gathering easier for residents, the City recommends three simple steps. The first step is to pick a date and time for your event. Weekends are ideal for larger gatherings while weekday or weekend lunches or dinners work well for smaller get-togethers.

Next, residents are encouraged to choose and plan their gathering. This can include activities such as cookie exchanges, hot cocoa parties, community caroling events, DIY ornament workshops or even winter clothing drives.

The final step is to invite your neighbors and register your gathering on ColoradoSprings.gov/100HolidayGatherings. This can be done by knocking on doors or posting on neighborhood social media sites like Nextdoor or Facebook. By registering, residents can also access resources and support from the City to make their gathering a success.

The 100 Holiday Gatherings initiative will run through the end of 2024, with the hope of creating a lasting impact on the community. The City encourages all residents to join in and spread holiday cheer by hosting a gathering with their neighbors. Together, they can combat loneliness and promote a sense of togetherness during this special time of year.

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