Thanksgiving is right around the corner; a time for family gatherings, a great meal, the Macy’s parade, football games and leftovers. It is also a time to reflect on what we are thankful for and how we can give to others.
At the Naperville YMCA’s we are thankful for our volunteers. Over 1,000 individuals per year donate their time and expertise to coach sports, serve on our boards, help with special events and fundraising, do landscape projects, work as program volunteers and help with various office functions.
We are thankful for our donors who give generously to support; building self esteem in kids, learning about team work and trust, accepting diversity, lowering obesity, providing preschool learning opportunities, teaching life skills through swim lessons and sports and providing children a safe place to be before and after school while their parents are at work. Our donors help us keep our promise to turn no one away for the inability to pay. Annually we provide nearly $500,000 in program and membership support to low and moderate income families.
We are thankful for our community partners. Through collaborations and partnerships with our Hospital, School Districts, Park District, businesses, other not-for-profit organizations and our City Government we are all stronger and more effective in meeting community needs.
The next opportunity to give back is Operation Turkey Drop. Our YMCA’s will be collecting non-perishable goods and gift cards to help provide Thanksgiving Dinner to families in need. Last year 80 families received groceries and gift cards to put a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on their table.
From 6:30-8:30PM on November 9, the Kroehler and Fry Y’s will be hosting Family Nights to help make center pieces and greeting cards and decorate boxes/bags for our Operation Turkey Drop recipients. This is an ideal event for families and young scout troops to help teach children about social responsibility.
Would you like to get involved with Operation Turkey Drop? More information is available on our web sites, www.kroehlerymca.org and www.fryymca.org.
FYI: The YMCA Naperville Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast is Dec. 7.
