Y Monthly Monday Mission Update – What a Generous Way to End 2023!
Well, here we are in 2024! I hope that everyone had a great holiday season, whatever and however you celebrate it. We all need that time at year-end to connect with family and friends, and to recharge our batteries. At the Y, we juggle our personal and community obligations as best we can, ensuring that we serve the community during this time of need while giving our hardworking associates some time to celebrate the season.
One of the many things I’m proud of during the holiday season is the Y Giving Tree. The holidays, as joyous as they are for most, can be really tough for those who are constrained by financial and/or other challenges. That is why the Y community rallies together to fulfill the holiday wish list of hundreds of children from the Y’s many youth development programs (Head Start, before & after school, preschool, Community Schools, mentoring, etc.). From the latest Lego set to warm winter coats and much, much more, over 3,000 gifts were donated this year (representing in-kind donations of over $43,000) to 755 children and youth. Gifts come from Y members, volunteers, associates, corporate partners and people from across the community.
While holiday giving is very special, members of the Y community know that compassion and community are vitally needed all year long. At the Y, the Giving Tree is a single element of an ongoing effort to let families and individuals know they are a part of a community of generous and spirited souls who have each other's backs.
So as we are taking down our Giving Trees, I would like to invite you to please consider getting involved in the Y’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service community activities coming up on January 15th. As with the Y Giving Tree, our MLK Day of Service provides a tangible way to demonstrate the power of personal volunteerism in creating a more just and inclusive society for all. With schools closed on an important national holiday, it’s a great way to do something positive (with your kids, if you have them at home!) and meaningful for others to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Search here for the location and activities that are best for you and your family.
Many thanks to everyone who so generously bought and gave gifts this holiday season. A big shout out goes to corporate partners The L. Warner Companies, Maryland Live Casino, RS&F, and K.E.Y.S Development for embracing the Y’s Giving Tree program on an organizational basis. Of course, none of this is possible without the leadership of Y associates Shannon Kowal, Donald Eaddy and the hundreds of Y associates who band together to ensure that this holiday season and this year ends with a resounding reminder of the power of community.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland