​While the “season of giving” may be officially over (and the “season of new year’s resolutions” well under way), giving is certainly needed and welcomed year round. So it is in this spirit that I share with you the giving tree project conducted at Ys across Central Maryland over the holidays.  Members, volunteers, partners and associates banded together to donate gifts in support of area families. In 2015, 250 families were helped through this effort. In 2016, our goal was to reach 350, but the outpouring of kindness resulted in 380 families in our region being helped!

With more than 2,000 gifts generously donated, we served Y families from a wide variety of our programs. We also had help from Target, Horseshoe Casino, Revere Bank, and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (who also participated in 2015). All four organizations played a huge part towards creating a memorable holiday for so many.  Their support will likely serve as an example of how our community partners can join us in future years in this tradition and meaningful cause.

Some special kudos goes out to our Y leaders at Weinberg and Pasadena. James Weathers and his crew at the Weinberg Y collected additional gifts and served dozens of youth from YES Empowered Society. The YES Drop-In Center is Baltimore City’s first and only drop-in center for homeless youth between the ages of 14-25.

Matt Lewis and his team at the Pasadena Y partnered with Anne Arundel County SPCA and hosted a drive that resulted in more than 300 toys and other items for sheltered animals in the County.

These scenes and the generous spirit which enabled them are sure to help you start your new year off right!

All the best,

John

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland