A Journey of Hope in Motion:
The 2025 Pumpkin of Hope Program Recap
September 1st, 2025 through November 1st, 2025
Once upon a time, there was a little teal and purple pumpkin with a very big purpose.
It wasn’t just any pumpkin...it was the Pumpkin of Hope, traveling from home to home, carrying with it a journal, a pen, and a mission to remind people that they matter.
At first, more than twenty-five people signed up to be part of its journey. But as time went on, something special happened. The group naturally shaped itself into a small, close-knit circle of eight Hope Partners...each one unique, each one needed.
Every week, the Pumpkin of Hope arrived at a new doorstep.
For seven days, each Hope Partner kept it close...writing stories, dreams, struggles, and encouragement in the Journal of Hope. They shared laughter, faith, and friendship inside our private Facebook group, cheering each other on through weekly Poll Games and thoughtful surprises tucked into each box.
By the end of its journey, that little pumpkin had traveled through miles and moments, collecting not just words, but pieces of hearts.
We laughed. We connected. We found hope again...together.
And as the Pumpkin made its way home to Erwin, Tennessee, it left behind a trail of love, courage, and stories that will soon become the Pumpkin of Hope Booklet, written by the Hope Partners themselves.
One pumpkin. Eight hearts. Endless hope.
We can’t wait to see where its journey takes us next year.
YOU MATTER
PUMPKIN
We are raising funds for the 2026 Pumpkin of Hope Program, which begins each year during Suicide Prevention Month and continues into the fall. If you believe in our mission to spread hope, connection, and encouragement, we invite you to contribute below. Your support helps us continue making a difference—one Pumpkin of Hope at a time. Thank you for helping us remind others that they matter.
Thank you to our partners!
Weekly Poll Games & Partner Gifts
Each week during the 2025 Pumpkin of Hope Program, our Hope Partners participated in fun and uplifting poll games inside our private Facebook group. These lighthearted challenges brought smiles, laughter, and connection to everyone involved. As a surprise, winners received small appreciation gifts - chosen from a variety of local and online businesses we later asked to feature on our program page as honorary partners. Each thoughtful item represented a little extra joy and gratitude shared along the Pumpkin’s journey.
The 2026 Pumpkin of Hope Program sign-ups will open in August 2026.
Pumpkins for Hope
Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention Pumpkins for Hope is a fall program created by our organization to bring encouragement, connection, and light during one of the hardest times of year for many—September, Suicide Prevention Month, and the weeks that follow.
From September 1st through October 31st (goes into November with more Hope Partners), a special Pumpkin of Hope will travel from home to home across the country. Each participant, called a Pumpkin of Hope Partner, will keep the pumpkin for one week.
During that time, they are invited to:
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Write reflections, uplifting thoughts, or personal experiences in the Pumpkin of Hope journal
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Leave a message of encouragement for the next Hope Partner
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Pass the pumpkin forward using the pre-paid, pre-labeled shipping materials included in the box
At the end of the program, all journal entries will be gathered and turned into a collective booklet of hope for each participant.
Every Hope Partner will also receive a mini Pumpkin of Hope as a keepsake, symbolizing the community they are part of and the light they helped share.
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Why Pumpkins for Hope?
Fall is a season that can feel lonely and heavy for many, especially for those struggling with mental health challenges, chronic illness, or isolation. The Pumpkin of Hope is more than fabric and ribbon—it’s a symbol of connection, reminding every person who holds it: You are not alone.
Your life matters. Hope is still alive.
Want to join?
We are currently welcoming new Hope Partners to help this program grow. If you’d like to be part of the Pumpkin of Hope journey, please join as a Pumpkin for Hope Partner
Because this fall, and always:
U MATTER.
THEY MATTER.
Please Read
All information will be verified prior to approval into the program. By continuing to the Pumpkins for Hope form you agree to have your name, address, phone number and other details verified by
Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention.
You must pass through all four stages of verification for full participation in the program. This is to ensure the program flows smoothly. Thank you for your interest in our program. We are excited to meet you!