The Problem: In the Quicksand Area, many families struggled with financial strain during the holiday season. The pressure to host elaborate meals and decorate homes often led to overspending and/or exacerbating financial stress for already vulnerable households.

The Educational Program Response: To address this issue, the Quicksand Area Agents developed the Holiday Road Show-Planning Holiday Meals and Gifts on a Thrifty Budget, a comprehensive educational program aimed at helping families plan budget-friendly holiday meals and decorations. The program focused on teaching practical skills such as meal planning, budgeting, and crafting homemade decorations/gifts.

The Participants/Target Audience: The Holiday Road Show targeted families, Homemakers, and individuals across the eight counties of the Quicksand Area. Participants came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, but all shared a common desire to celebrate the holidays without breaking the bank.

Other Partners (if Applicable): The Quicksand Area which consists of Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe.

Program Impact or Participant Response: Initial evaluations revealed promising results. A staggering 85.4% of participants stated they could identify ways to save money when planning holiday meals, while 86.4% could develop a budget-friendly shopping plan. Furthermore, 86.9% of participants intended to create holiday menus using budget-friendly foods, and 81.7% planned to apply the five shopping trip strategies for budgeting in future holidays.

Details About the Program: The Holiday Road Show was delivered by dedicated Quicksand Area Agents who traveled to all eight counties to show how to prepare a recipe as well letting participants sample the recipe and 2-3 craft/decor items. Participants got to see all the craft items, learn about budgeting, and taste the different recipes. Participants learned practical tips and tricks for creating memorable holiday experiences without overspending.

Impact Data from the 3-Month Follow-Up: The success of the program extended beyond the initial workshops. Three months later, over half of the evaluation respondents reported making positive financial decisions and implementing at least one money-saving strategy learned from the Holiday Road Show. The collective money saved due to the program amounted to an impressive $3,765, demonstrating its tangible and lasting impact on participants' financial well-being.

In conclusion, the Holiday Road Show exemplifies the power of education and community collaboration in tackling financial challenges during the holiday season. By equipping participants with practical skills and resources, the program not only empowered families to celebrate within their means but also fostered a sense of financial resilience that extended beyond the holiday season.