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.
The Pumpkin of Hope
The Pumpkin of Hope was lovingly handcrafted by our talented seamstress, Kim. She worked tirelessly to bring it to life - stitch by stitch - with compassion and care. Its holographic teal and purple fabric glimmers and changes color in the light, symbolizing the beauty of hope and transformation woven into every thread.
The Pumpkin of Hope Journal
The Pumpkin of Hope Journal was thoughtfully designed by our Founder, Charlene, and created to capture the stories, reflections, and messages of encouragement shared by each Hope Partner along the Pumpkin’s journey. Every page holds a piece of someone’s heart - and together, they tell a story of hope that travels.
The Pumpkin of Hope's Poem Tag
Written by our Founder, Charlene, the Pumpkin of Hope Tag features a heartfelt poem that captures the raw emotions many of us experience...we cry, we pray, we vent, and we heal. Each symbol on the card was thoughtfully chosen by the Hope Partners, making it a shared reflection of strength, vulnerability, and hope.
The Pumpkin of Hope Newspaper Article
The Hope Times headline story, written by our Founder, Charlene, playfully captured the grand departure of the Pumpkin of Hope. Though a fictional newspaper, the article celebrated a very real moment of joy and connection. Each Hope Partner received a laminated copy as a keepsak...a reminder of the day hope officially hit the road.
The Pumpkin of Hope Traveling Map
Our fun and whimsical Pumpkin of Hope Traveling Map tells the exciting story of the Pumpkin’s journey across the miles! From its first stop to its final destination...with a few funny wrong turns along the way...it captures every arrival, departure, and moment of laughter shared as we tracked the Pumpkin’s path of hope.
The Pumpkin of Hope Certificates
Designed by our Founder, Charlene, each Hope Partner received a beautifully crafted certificate as a keepsake - a heartfelt reminder of their special role in the Pumpkin of Hope journey and the hope they helped spread along the way.
Mini Pumpkins of Hope Keepsake for Hope Partners
Handcrafted with love by our talented seamstress, Kim, each Mini Pumpkin of Hope was created as a keepsake for every Hope Partner who took part in the 2025 Pumpkin of Hope Program. These tiny stitched treasures symbolize the journey of connection, courage, and compassion shared through the traveling Pumpkin of Hope. Each one serves as a gentle reminder that even when the season changes — hope continues to grow.
Pumpkin of Hope Journal Bookmark
The Pumpkin of Hope Journal Bookmark was created as a shared keepsake for every Hope Partner — a reflection of the emotions we all face throughout life’s journey. Designed with heartfelt intention, the front features symbolic artwork paired with an original reflection poem written by our Founder, Charlene, capturing the feelings we often carry in silence yet share in understanding. This collective keepsake reminds each Hope Partner that their emotions are valid, their story matters, and hope is always within reach.
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.
This program has ended. Please view our 2026 Suicide Prevention Projects
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.
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!