Community Highlights: Meet Cierra Chamot of Cookies N Cocoa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Chamot.

Cierra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In October of 2019, I lost my best friend, Heather, in a car accident, and that Christmas – December 2019 – I decided I needed to do something in honor of her because Christmas was both of our favorite times of the year. This is how Cookies N’ Cocoa was founded.

Heather was a school teacher so the event started as a way to honor her, celebrate Christmas, and make an impact in the lives of students around the valley. After a book drive that collected over 1,000 books, and two years of school supply drives that benefited over 2,000 students and teachers, it’s transitioned into an event that will raise money for scholarships to students around the valley. The scholarships may help students with summer school, camp, or field trips.

Cookies N’ Cocoa is a free event where families can come experience the hope and joy of Christmas while keeping Heather’s memory alive. They can come to walk through the “North Pole,” take pictures with Santa, get free cookies and cocoa, and enjoy a family event no matter their income level. If they’re able and feel led to donate, then the donations will go to help students within our community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The main struggle has been financial – trying to raise enough support to accomplish my big dreams and make the event the best it can be. As with anything, when something grows exponentially, as Cookies N’ Cocoa has, there will be ups and downs but you just have to push through and overcome the obstacles.

Flexibility is one of the best characteristics you can have when trying to build something new.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cookies N’ Cocoa specializes in bringing the hope and joy of Christmas to families within our community while keeping Heather’s memory alive and making an impact on local students.

I believe what sets apart our event from other Christmas events is that we strive to have families of all income levels attend and be able to experience a Christmas event with their families so our event is free/by donation only. Most Christmas events charge an astronomical amount because they can and yet our whole goal is to make the event accessible to everyone.

Cookies N’ Cocoa is continually growing and we’re adding a new feature every year. I’m most proud of the fact that, in my deepest grief, something good was able to come out of it and we’re now helping to bring joy to families during Christmas while keeping Heather’s memory alive.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I believe the best example of leadership is Jesus Christ so the times when I’m diving into the Bible and really studying the Word of God is when I do my best work and exemplify the strongest leadership.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: cookiesncocoa.org
• Instagram: @cookiesncocoaevent
• Facebook: @cookiesncocoa

Image Credits
Miranda Kauffman