Kwik Stop Launches 25th Magical Christmas Program
Kwik Stop's Magical Kwik Stop Christmas program kicks off its 25th year, helping local families with holiday gifts.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Kwik Stop has launched the 25th year of its Magical Kwik Stop Christmas program in Dubuque. The program has helped more than 395 local families since it began in 2002.
Why it matters
The program helps families facing financial pressures that make Christmas difficult to afford. Community members can take part by picking a gift tag from decorated trees at participating locations.
The program aims to help 20 tri-state families each year and has assisted more than 395 local families since 2002. Kwik Care has raised more than $2.3 million for nonprofits and community events, though the source does not report this year's totals.
The players
Kwik Stop
Kwik Stop is a convenience store chain operating locations in the Dubuque area that runs the Kwik Care fundraising arm supporting local nonprofits.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is an international fast-food chain whose Dubuque and Peosta locations collect community donations for the program.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is a charitable service organization that helps identify families who could benefit from the program.
The details
Community members pick a tag from decorated Christmas trees at participating Kwik Stop and Dairy Queen locations in Dubuque and Peosta, purchase a gift, and deliver it back to the store. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque helps identify families who could benefit, and businesses can adopt a family or donate by calling 563-526-1187.
Timeline
2002: The Magical Kwik Stop Christmas program began.
Christmas 2026: The 25th year of the program kicks off.
Philanthropy Track Record
The program is one of the initiatives funded through Kwik Care, which has raised more than $2.3 million for nonprofits and community events. It extends that record of community giving into the holiday season in Dubuque.
Residents can pick a tag from decorated trees at participating Kwik Stop and Dairy Queen locations and deliver a gift. Businesses can adopt a family or donate by calling 563-526-1187.
The takeaway
Small, local giving through a familiar store can reach families who might otherwise go without holiday gifts. Taking part requires only picking a tag and returning a gift to a participating location.
Further reading
For more on local giving, explore Philanthropy coverage in Dubuque.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q107.
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