In partnership with the Lilly Endowment, local grocers, and with support from the CAGI board and employees who provided monetary support–as well as school and corporate volunteers, the agency has engaged in its Holiday Meal Program (HMP) for ten years.

At its inception, CAGI randomly selected several hundred households from its EAP client database and the tenants at its apartment projects to receive a “holiday basket” of goods in December. That number has now grown to more than 1,600. Starting in 2010 the ‘basket’ was changed from bags to boxes.  The basket (more aptly described as a box) consists of a mix of boxed and canned goods, and a gift card from a grocer to purchase perishable items such as meat. CAGI board, staff, and private sector volunteers gather to compile the boxes, enjoying the fellowship and listening to holiday music. Letters are sent to the randomly selected households advising them of a date and time to pick up their goods.Volunteers assist in distributing the meals, and any unclaimed bags are distributed to churches,  and other CAGI clients who express a need.  Become a volunteer for this great program today!