Alternatives’ senior program in Douglas and the Douglas Elementary School have partnered once again to bring holiday spirit to local businesses — literally to their front door.

This is the second year for the partnership, which involves the coordination of 20 classrooms making 40 wreaths.

The relationship began when representatives from Alternatives in Whitinsville met last year with then newly appointed principal Kim Taylor to discuss partnering opportunities.

“It was a new beginning for all of us and it was exciting to discuss the possibilities,”

Ms. Taylor said. The effort “resulted in teambuilding for not only the students but for our teachers as well.”

Youngsters in kindergarten through second grade, along with individuals served by and staff members from Alternatives and parent volunteers, spend an afternoon decorating. The teachers and their students are assigned a business from town and they are responsible for the “theme” of the wreath, which is ultimately placed on the front door of their assigned business. A visit through the center of town will demonstrate the creativity that went into the design and creation of the wreaths.

Town residents are then invited to vote on their favorite wreath. “Last year was our first year and we hoped to have at least 500 votes from the local community. You can imagine our surprise when we counted over 6,000,” said Linda Flinton, program coordinator for the Alternatives’ senior program.

The three winning classrooms are announced at the school’s community meeting. The winners receive prize money to use for their classrooms. There is talk of increasing the number of wreaths for next year, as additional requests have already been made.

“When you see the wreaths on the doors, it really does give you a true sense of community and what can be achieved through such partnerships,” Ms. Taylor said.

Alternatives is a nonprofit agency serving more than 550 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 45 residential and employment programs throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information, visit Alternatives’ Web site at www.alternativesnet.org.