Cooperative Hosts Christmas Gift Drive for Migrant Students
Northwest Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative is collecting gifts for more than 500 students in its federally funded migrant education program.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Northwest Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative is hosting a Christmas gift drive for students in its Title 1 Part C Migrant Education program. Donations can be dropped off at the cooperative office in Farmington or arranged for pickup by program staff.
Why it matters
The program serves children affected by poverty, language and cultural barriers, and the migratory lifestyle, and many of its students come from low-income households. Gifts are intended to help students feel supported, valued and cared for during the holiday season.
The program will give Christmas gifts to more than 500 students aged 6 months to 21 years. Donors may drop off items at 4 North Double Springs Road in Farmington, but the total number of gifts needed or collected has not been specified.
The players
Northwest Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative
A regional education service agency that supports school districts in Northwest Arkansas and administers the Title 1 Part C Migrant Education program.
Jennifer Vinson
The program coordinator for the Migrant Education program who is handling donation coordination and pickup arrangements.
The details
Donors can bring items such as sports balls, art sets, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds and dolls to the cooperative office, and cash or gift cards are being accepted for high school students. Anyone unable to travel to Farmington can arrange a pickup by contacting program coordinator Jennifer Vinson at (479) 267-7450 or jennifer.vinson@nwaesc.org, or Lupe Nava at (479) 287-0268 or lourdes.nava@nwaesc.org.
Timeline
The gift drive takes place during the December 2026 holiday season.
Donations are being accepted through the holiday season, with the gifts distributed to students in December.
Philanthropy Context
Title 1 Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds migrant education programs to provide educational and support services to migratory children and youth. Community gift drives like this one supplement those federally funded services with holiday support for students from low-income households.
Families who want to help can drop off gifts at the Farmington office or arrange a pickup if they cannot travel there. Donations such as toys, art supplies, electronics and gift cards directly support students who might otherwise go without holiday gifts.
The takeaway
Donating a toy, art set or gift card can make a real difference for a child in a migrant family this holiday season. Contact the cooperative to arrange a drop-off or pickup if travel is difficult.
Further reading
Explore more community giving stories in Philanthropy coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
