Festive cheer at Pathways

The holiday season kicked into high gear this past weekend at Pathways for Children’s annual holiday party, bringing joyful celebrations and community spirit to families at the organization’s Gloucester campus.

Held on Saturday, the event welcomed children and caregivers for an afternoon of seasonal fun, music, treats, and holiday activities. The festivities included holiday crafts, games, and plenty of opportunities for families to connect and celebrate together. Guests enjoyed creating ornaments, decorating cookies, and capturing photos with Santa Claus — a highlight for many young attendees.

Organized by the Gloucester High School Interact Club, students volunteered for hours throughout the day to ensure every child felt celebrated during the holiday season. They emphasized the inclusive and welcoming nature of the event, which offered a relaxed, joy-filled environment for families enrolled in Pathways’ early childhood education and support programs.

“My favorite part about being in Interact is the hands-on community service you get,” Senior Ruby McElhenny said. “You’re not just fundraising for a cause but interacting with the community and having fun doing it.”

Pathways for Children, located at 29 Emerson Avenue, is a cornerstone of the Gloucester community, providing early education, family support services, and wrap-around care for local children and their families throughout the year. The nonprofit also runs seasonal initiatives like the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund toy drive, helping bring holiday joy to families across the North Shore.

As the winter season unfolded, Pathways’ holiday celebration set a warm tone for community togetherness, reinforcing the organization’s mission of nurturing and supporting families throughout Gloucester and beyond.