Dartmouth Sisters Spread Holiday Cheer With Gingerbread House Bonanza

It's the season of giving and a Dartmouth family has embarked on a mission to spread some festive joy to families in need.

Sisters Kathryn Beardsley and Charlotte Weeks are aiming to provide 40 families with gingerbread house kits for the season. Kathryn has enjoyed decorating gingerbread houses since she was a little girl. Now 14, she's sharing her love with the SouthCoast.

Three years ago, the family began their tradition of shopping for children in need during the holiday season and the girls are still at it, stronger than ever.

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Last year, while decorating cookies, Kathryn and Charlotte, along with mother Nina Weeks, expanded their efforts. They realized that more than gifts, the holiday season is about family togetherness and joy.

"We love making our wish lists and opening everything on Christmas morning, however, we also really love spending the season with our family doing festive things," Nina said.

Understanding the financial stress the holidays can put on families, especially with the rising cost of groceries, the Weeks family decided to create kits for 20 families to make and decorate holiday cookies last year. This year, they've doubled their goal.

The process involves buying pre-made gingerbread houses and collecting a variety of candies. Kathryn and Charlotte take on the task of sorting the sweets, ensuring each kit is filled with delightful treats.

Nina said she is proud of her daughters' initiative and empathy.

"As a mother, it's just great that my girls want to help other people and that they just realize how fortunate they are and they want to be there for other people," she said.

As they work toward their goal, they invite the community to join them in making this holiday season a little brighter for those in need.