Gifts — from new bicycles to brand new coats and shoes — bound for the Salvation Army to aid families lined nearly an entire hallway at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA last week.
With a generous outpouring of community and membership support, the YMCA was able to help 10 families this holiday season.
Each family submitted a list of items that were needed and wanted this holiday season. While some of the items are toys, items listed also included necessities, including snow boots and jackets.
Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator Alexa Tupper said helping families through the YMCA has become a yearly tradition. In addition to supporting community families, Tupper said the drive brings members together and reminds them to show a little compassion to those in need.
“It all comes down to what the Christmas season is really about,” Tupper said. “We forget that a lot of people are not fortunate enough to have that ability to have presents under the tree.”
The drive has become something the members look forward to.
“It is fun to get to pick out what you are going to buy,” Tupper said.
As for encouraging others to get into the giving spirit this season, Tupper said for those in need giving something small could make all the difference.
“It is nice to give the gift of joy,” Tupper said.