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<\/a><\/p>\nWatch teaser on YouTube:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/youtu.be\/HAxgya_4uf0?
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\u00a0BETHLEHEM, Pa., November 18, 2025<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 WDIY 88.1 FM, Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, and –ts Brand Elevation have launched the Lehigh Valley\u2019s first-ever multiplatform holiday gift guide dedicated entirely to supporting local small businesses during the region\u2019s busiest shopping season.<\/div>\n
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The eight-week series,\u00a0Home for the Holidays: Tis the Season to Shop Small & Share Big<\/b>, features weekly gifting themed podcast episodes, on-air conversations, video content, shop spotlights, community storytelling, and a curated gift guide uplifting diverse small businesses across the region.<\/div>\n
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Since its debut on November 6, the project has already generated significant community engagement.\u00a0The first podcast episode, \u201cCozy Home Holiday D\u00e9cor\u201d featuring local designer Anthony Sierra, known for creating the historic Hotel Bethlehem\u2019s iconic Holiday d\u00e9cor, has surpassed 700+ views on the PBS39 YouTube channel alone<\/b>, with additional reach on WDIY.org, WDIY YouTube, social media, and podcast platforms. Second in the series, \u201cReaders and Gamers has continued momentum and strong listener interaction.<\/div>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019re pleased to see such meaningful engagement so quickly. Surpassing 700 views in just a few days underscores our community\u2019s commitment to celebrating and supporting local businesses.\u00a0 This is what public media does best.\u00a0 We bring people together, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen the economic and cultural fabric of our region,\u201d said Hasanna Birdsong, President of Lehigh Valley Public Media.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re proud to collaborate on an initiative that uplifts every corner of the Lehigh Valley.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d marks the first collaborative, region-wide, holiday gift guide produced across public radio, public television, streaming platforms, community development organizations, and local business leaders. Designed as both a gift resource and an economic engine, the project provides visibility for dozens of local businesses at a time when independent retailers face the greatest competition from online and big-box stores.<\/div>\n
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\u201cTis the season to shop small and share big,\u201d said Tiffany Sondergaard, Founder of –ts Brand Elevation and co-host of the series.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re all guilty of ordering online for convenience, but by showcasing local businesses each week through this first ever multiplatform gift guide, we\u2019re reminding the community each week to support our neighbors.\u00a0 Especially during this time, or they may not be here next year.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u201cPublic media exists to serve the community,\u201d added Margaret McConnell, Executive Director of WDIY 88.1 and podcast co-host. \u201cThe goal of \u201cHome for the Holidays is to provide visibility, connection, and a bump in sales for our area small businesses. We\u2019re proud to bring stories, makers, and local entrepreneurs to the forefront this holiday season.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Each week Sondergaard and McConnel feature a rich lineup of Lehigh Valley creators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders featuring guest interviews and regional small businesses aligned with weekly categories including\u00a0Cozy Home Holiday D\u00e9cor<\/i>,\u00a0Readers and Gamers<\/i>,\u00a0Artful Finds and Local Treasures<\/i>,\u00a0The Joy of Giving<\/i>,\u00a0Fashion Flare<\/i>,\u00a0The Experience Seeker<\/i>,\u00a0Family & Kids<\/i>, and\u00a0Self Care & Wellness<\/i>.<\/div>\n
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\u201cHome for the Holidays: Tis the Season to Shop Small and Share Big,\u201d sponsored by Community Bank, N.A. and SouthSide Arts District, drops weekly from November 6 to December 18 with the final episode releasing days before Christmas for last-minute gifters. Episodes are available weekly at\u00a0wdiy.org<\/a>,\u00a0youtube.com\/@wdiyfm<\/a>,\u00a0youtube.com\/@PBS39<\/a>, and across all major podcast platforms.<\/div>\n
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Sondergaard and McConnell are available for\u00a0l<\/b>ive, recorded, print and online holiday gift guide segments\u00a0<\/b>featuring curated gift ideas for your viewers, listeners and readers.<\/div>\n
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Information provided to TVL by:
\n–ts Brand Elevation<\/div>\n
\n–ts Brand Elevation<\/div>\n
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First Two Episodes launched by partnership collaboration\u00a0WDIY 88.1, Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Rising Tide Community Loan Fund and –ts Brand Elevation\u00a0Reach Strong Viewership, High Engagement and Community Momentum Watch … Continue reading First-of-Its-Kind Local Holiday Gift Guide for Lehigh Valley Small Businesses Sees Early Success<\/span>