WEST CHESTER, PA — As the holiday season approaches, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is stepping up efforts to aid nearly 73,914 residents of Chester County who are living at or near the poverty level. Recognizing the increased stress that the holidays can bring to families with limited resources, YGBW has unveiled its Holiday Cheer initiative, designed to provide food, gifts, and winter essentials to those in need.
The initiative encompasses several programs, each targeting specific needs of the community. One of the cornerstone efforts, Bags of Gratitude, aims to deliver 800 meal kits to families across the county. Donors are encouraged to collect a shopping list and reusable bag from any of the eight YGBW locations, fill them with specified non-perishable items and a $25 grocery gift card, and return them by November 1. This program not only provides a fulfilling meal for Thanksgiving but also fosters community involvement, as both members and non-members are invited to participate.
In tandem with this, the Gifts of Joy program seeks to ensure that the spirit of giving extends into December. Starting November 1, community members can sponsor a family by shopping for gifts listed on a wish list. Each child in the family is allotted three gifts, with a budget of $25 per gift, to be delivered unwrapped to a YGBW branch by December 1. This year, YGBW has streamlined the process by organizing shopping lists by family, ensuring equitable distribution of gifts and enhancing the program’s capacity to serve more families.
Alongside these efforts, the YMCA’s Threads of Warmth initiative will distribute 3,500 new winter coats to children in Chester County, thanks to a partnership with the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. This annual collaboration provides essential warmth and comfort, bringing joy to both recipients and participants in this charitable tradition.
YGBW President and CEO Bertram L. Lawson II underscores the importance of these initiatives, noting the organization’s commitment to alleviating the burdens faced by families during this time of year. Laura Mackiewicz, Director of Volunteer and Civic Engagement, also highlights the impact of the New Coat Program, describing the excitement among staff and volunteers as they prepare for distribution.
The YMCA encourages the broader community, including local businesses, schools, and civic groups, to join these efforts, demonstrating the collective power of generosity to make a meaningful difference. Through these programs, YGBW aims not only to provide material support but also to foster a sense of unity and compassion throughout Chester County during the holiday season.
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