![Gifts under decorated Christmas tree.](/sites/default/files/styles/node_blog/public/2022-12/gifts-under-tree_700x466.jpg.webp?itok=eAag_1I6)
Gift donations for children in the community.
Holiday traditions are celebrated as loved ones gather, meals are shared and gifts are exchanged. Millions of children wake up on Christmas morning to a beautiful tree surrounded by gifts from Santa. However, many children who live at or near the poverty line will wake up on Christmas morning with little to no gifts. The YMCA of the Suncoast and James P. Gills Family YMCA’s (Gills YMCA) Annual Season of Giving event seeks to alleviate some of the holiday stresses of families whose income may hinder the ability to provide Christmas gifts.
This holiday season, 250 children received a gift under their tree, courtesy of the generous donations from the Gills YMCA community.
Strengthening Our Community
The Annual Season of Giving event has grown over the years, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, around 150 children received holiday gifts. When the pandemic hit, and economic challenges became more prevalent, the staff quickly pivoted to include even more children in the event.
On December 10, 2022, the branch celebrated its fifth year of hosting the Season of Giving event. Children participating in the Y’s Financial Assistance program, as well as children identified by local schools, were invited to participate.
Families who belong to Seven Springs Elementary School, Trinity Oaks Elementary School, Trinity Elementary School and Odessa Elementary School were invited to receive gifts from the program.
Michael Whitten, Senior Director of Member Engagement at the Gills YMCA, shares, “The Season of Giving Event is our way to reach families in our community, similar to [a traditional] Giving Tree. On December 10th we hosted Breakfast with Santa where Santa hands out gifts, we have breakfast and play games in the morning.”
Stand with Us
The Season of Giving Event, combined with the branch’s Giving Tree program, impacts over 100 families and close to 300 children throughout the community. The Togetherhood committee, which focuses on uniting the YMCA and its community members, begins work on the two events in September. The dedicated members work over 150 hours to ensure each child has a positive and impactful experience at the events, and when they open their gifts on Christmas morning.
You can sign up to be one of our impactful volunteers or donate and provide a child in need with the gift of swim lessons, summer camp, youth sports program or even a membership!
Published Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022