With Christmas just around the corner, FFA chapters across the nation are embracing festive fundraising efforts to support their programs in the new year. From gift boxes to plant sales and auctions, these events offer both financial support for the chapter and community engagement.
Here are some of the ways chapters are raising funds and spreading cheer this holiday season:
Whitko FFA’s Winter Wonderland Christmas Auction in South Whitley, Indiana
Members of the Whitko FFA Chapter transformed their Ag Barn into a winter wonderland with festive lights, poinsettias, and a walkway of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Guests enjoyed hot cocoa, coffee, and a dessert bar as they browsed auction items, many of which were donated by local businesses. Some auction items were handmade by students, such as Christmas wreaths crafted by the Advanced Plant Science class. All funds from the event went to support Whitko FFA’s Livestock Judging team, who will represent the United States this June at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland.
One of Whitko FFA’s advisors, Emily Murphy, noted that the event not only raises money but also helps students develop skills for managing events.
“I would say communication is a huge skill that students are using because they’re communicating to the public and talking about their interests, and they also have to be very organized with time management for this event,” she said.
Wenatchee FFA’s Boxed Meat Fundraiser in Wenatchee, Washington
The Wenatchee FFA Chapter offered a more practical gift option for the holiday season, selling quality beef and pork from Pure Country farms in meat box bundles.
Pierce FFA’s Christmas Market in Pierce, Nebraska
Pierce FFA members organized a Christmas market showcasing handmade student projects, including wooden Christmas decorations, halters, baked goods, and metal works.
Irwin FFA’s “Southern Traditions” Gift Box in Ocilla, Georgia
Members of Irwin FFA sold “Southern Traditions” gift boxes, featuring local products such as Lauri Jo’s blueberry pepper jelly, Old Soul medium roast coffee, Southern Thunder BBQ sauce, cornmeal, grits, and boiled peanuts. What’s unique about these boxes is that many of the products are made on-site at Irwin County High School.
“We support not only Georgia grown but also Irwin County products, as our cornmeal, grits, and peanuts are all done at our county high school by students. We grind the cornmeal and grits on campus, bag them, and then for our peanuts, we clean them and can them ourselves. The coffee that’s in the box is also made by a former FFA student, and he does it right here in Oscilla,” said Kyndal Walker, an Irwin FFA member and student intern for the agriculture department at Irwin County High School.
According to Walker, students not only gain practical production and industry skills but also develop a sense of responsibility.
“You learn responsibility — you have to make sure you’re putting the right amount of product into the bags, and you have to take pride in your work. You want it to look good,” said Walker.
Walker also emphasized the critical role that FFA advisors play in supporting and guiding members throughout fundraising events and initiatives.
“All they do for us here, it’s special. They give us the most support out of anybody, and they just love for us to have these opportunities to learn and grow,” said Walker.
Alpena FFA’s Fruit and Nut Sale in Alpena, Michigan
The Alpena FFA Chapter sold festive gift boxes containing a variety of fruits, nuts, and candies, including Florida grapefruit and navels, Michigan apples, cheese, sausage, cashews, pistachios, chocolates, and taffy.
Woodbury FFA’s Holiday Plant Sale in Woodbury, Connecticut
Woodbury FFA members organized a holiday plant sale, offering wreaths, kissing balls, Yule logs, Christmas cactus, and cyclamen. Students also sold homemade pet treats and offered holiday pet photos at the event.
Frazier Mountain FFA and El Tejon FFA’s Christmas Tree Festival in Frazier Park, California
FFA members from Frazier Mountain High School and El Tejon Middle School organized a Christmas tree fundraising festival, selling fresh Christmas trees and wreaths at a festival featuring music, photo opportunities, animals, raffles, and local vendors. The weekend-long event was sponsored by High Jack Ranch and North Fork Ranch, with all money raised going to support the Frazier Mountain and El Tejon FFA chapters.
Johnson County FFA’s Poinsettia Sale in Mountain City, Tennessee
Johnson County FFA members sold poinsettias for holiday decorations as well as cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce to community members.
Walters FFA’s Pie and Cake Auction in Walters, Oklahoma
The Walters FFA Chapter hosted a Pie and Cake Auction, selling a variety of cakes and pies to support members with upcoming contests and at the state convention next spring.
Kate Walker is a student at Georgia College and State University. Originally from Watkinsville, Georgia, she has a passion for writing and all things agriculture.
