Y-I Woman's Club Leads Assistance for 25+ Families for Christmas
AmVets, Masons, Lions, IRC, Scooter Haven and, several individuals contributed to the kid's Christmas gifts. We had bikes, clothes, underwear, sox, shoes, toiletries, tons of blankets, stuffed toys, games, books, groceries, and more. Please thank these organizations for their help pulling this off for our kids. Remember, the Woman's Club through the Healthy Community Initiative is the funnel for all these things to happen and we do NOT do this alone and couldn't without all of these service organizations, businesses, and individuals jumping on board to help!
So, for next Christmas, please keep in mind and save any of the stuff we can use for the kid's Christmas. Maybe things your grandkids have outgrown that are in good condition. We can always (throughout the school year) use good kids' clothing from baby, toddler on up to the teenager. Outgrown bikes, trikes, toys, games, books for all ages. Scooter Haven has been refurbishing bikes all year for these kids and did a great job. Save your bikes!!! If you have stuff just drop it by the YIWC Thrift shop and tell them it is for next Christmas for the kids.
This year, we had 3 families added to the list after the fact and the picture above is for one family who is living in a small camper and tent. We found a warm sleeping bag and a microwave in the Thrift, the trike and, food from our bingo players and Kidz Eatz stash. We went shopping and bought warm clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, toys and added some blankets that someone left just for this reason. The mom was beyond grateful and is hoping their circumstances will change and they can help another family next year.
We actually gave all but one blanket out. Think we had over 2 dozen.
When a kid asks Santa for a BLANKET for Christmas it needs to happen and it did for many more because of the generosity of a couple of folks who heard the call.
We will thank them properly.
Let's put this in perspective. We (the community) are feeding 20% of our YTS kids through Kidz Eatz with 7 meals to feed them from Friday lunch at school to Monday breakfast. This couldn't and wouldn't happen without all of the service organizations, businesses, and individuals who contribute to the Kidz Eatz meal program. It's only gonna get worse with the way things are going thanks to COVID.
For some families doing Christmas for their kids meant choosing between groceries or gifts. For some grandparents and great grandparents, it means using their social security retirement checks to care for these kids and try to buy Christmas gifts or to feed and clothe them.
Our HCI crew always comes through for our community and are grateful that these folks have generous hearts and never hesitate to help. THANKS TO ALL!!
Well, THAT'S IT for 2020 I am happy to report!!
May we NEVER have another year like this one.
Let's hope that 2021 is better for all.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka, Happy Kwanzaa and, a very Happy Healthy Safe New Year!!!
Your YI Woman's Club