When Local Collaboration Turns Into Lasting Smiles

The holidays have a special way of bringing people together, and this past season, one local collaboration proved that a small idea can create joy that lingers well beyond December.

When the Reading Public Museum began planning their beloved Pictures with Santa event, they wanted the experience to feel magical from start to finish. That included the goodie bags handed out to children, each one meant to carry a little extra spark of joy home with them. Rather than filling the bags with ordinary giveaways, the Museum looked to the local community for something fun, creative, and memorable.

Enter Elite Leadership Martial Arts.

Known for building confidence, focus, and leadership skills in local kids, Elite Leadership Martial Arts stepped in with a simple but brilliant idea: LEGO brick-shaped highlighters. Bright, playful, and instantly recognizable, these fun tools added a pop of color to the goodie bags and an extra smile to every child who received one.

The response was immediate. Kids loved them. Parents noticed them. And months later, we’re still spotting these highlighters around town, tucked into backpacks, pencil cases, and homework stations. A small item, yes, but one that continues to remind families of a joyful holiday moment at the Museum.

That’s the true magic of local collaboration.

When organizations like the Reading Public Museum and Elite Leadership Martial Arts come together, the impact multiplies. One brings the space, tradition, and community connection. The other brings creativity, generosity, and a shared commitment to enriching children’s lives. Together, they created an experience that felt thoughtful, fun, and deeply local.

At Do It Local Berks, we see this again and again. Local partnerships don’t just check a box or fill a bag. They tell a story. They show families that businesses and nonprofits care about more than transactions; they care about moments, memories, and meaningful connections.

The brick highlighters may have been small, but the smiles they sparked were big. And the best part? Those smiles are still showing up today, long after the holiday lights came down.

That’s the power of keeping it local. When we collaborate, we don’t just create events. We create lasting impressions, shared pride, and moments that stay with our community for years to come.

The Reading Public Museum has lots of family fun throughout the year, visit their website for details including their new LEGO exhibit!

Do you have an upcoming event? Do you need swag or sponsored goodies? Our team at Do It Local Berks would love to support your ideas! Let’s plan together: heather@doitlocalberks.com