YOU CAN HELP MAKE SOMEONE’S HOLIDAY SEASON BRIGHT THIS YEAR

YMCA of Greater Brandywine helping to make holidays brighter for thousands in our community
The holiday season is upon us. It is easy to get caught up in the hype with the change in weather, all the ads on television, store displays and daily emails with “new” offers, but at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, we’re also working to help others in our community to ensure everyone has a happy holiday season—and we invite everyone in our community to help us in these efforts!

Thanksgiving Baskets
The Chester County Food Bank estimates that there are between 43,000 and 80,000 people in Chester County with food insecurity, meaning they have limited or uncertain access to adequate food. 

Many of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Chester County branches are offering Thanksgiving food bags or baskets (scroll down to see locations and dates). Everyone from the community is welcome to donate a meal or grab a list (aka turkey feather) of food items requested by families. Simply visit any YMCA of Greater Brandywine branch to find out what is needed. Families receiving financial assistance from the YMCA or who have been referred to the Y as needing food assistance and have completed the request form, receive the dinner bags prior to Thanksgiving to ensure they have the food in time for the holiday. 

Angel Trees
And, all of our branches have Angel Trees (see below) or holiday wish lists, to help families struggling to make ends meet have a more joyful holiday. 

Families receiving financial assistance from the YMCA or who have been referred to the Y as needing assistance, receive gifts donated by the community. These children (and adults) complete a “wish” list to receive anything from bikes to games to clothing and supermarket gift cards. Donations are picked up by or sent to families prior to Christmas. If you’d like to help a family have a happier holiday simply visit any YMCA of Greater Brandywine branch to find out what is needed. All in the community are invited to help.

Last year, more than 1,700 children and families received gifts through the YMCA’s Angel Tree program.

These are great opportunities to not only experience the joy of giving, but to show our children the importance of helping others.

Our Impact
“Being here at the Y has been thoroughly life-changing,” shared one of the recipients of a Thanksgiving basket and Angel Tree gifts. “It started with so many little things, like working with me when money was extra tight around the holidays, adding me to the Angel Tree, so my son could receive presents at Christmas time and getting bags of food at Thanksgiving. Receiving that made me feel that people really do get it. I wasn’t alone and, of course, it helped me get through the holidays.” 

Like so many others in our community, this person appeared to be doing well on paper, paying basic bills, but the reality was the family struggled, living paycheck to paycheck.
 

Stop in and see us!

Anyone can help this holiday season at each of our branches, you do NOT need to be a member to join in the giving. Simply stop in to any of our branches and visit the member services desk to select a turkey feather, make a food or monetary donation or select a child or family from an Angel tree or list. YMCA staff have all the details and information you need. 

Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville

• Thanksgiving meals, donations accepted through 11/23
• Angel Tree, gifts accepted through 12/14

Jennersville YMCA, 880 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove

• Thanksgiving baskets, donations accepted through 11/20
• Angel Tree, gifts accepted through 12/19

Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race Street, Kennett Square

• Turkey Feathers, donations accepted through 11/20
• Christmas binder, gifts accepted through 12/10

Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton

• Turkey Feathers, donations accepted through 11/15
• Angel Tree (with Delaware Valley Children’s Charity), gifts accepted through 12/2

Octorara YMCA Program Center, 104 Highland Road, Atglen

• Thanksgiving donations accepted through 11/22
• Christmas gift donations accepted 11/26-12/18

Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center, 1 E. Chestnut Street, West Chester

• Thanksgiving bags, donations accepted through 11/20
• Angel Tree, gifts accepted through 12/13

Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn

• Angel Tree (with Delaware Valley Children’s Charity), gifts accepted through 12/2

West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport road, West Chester 

• Thanksgiving bags, donations accepted through 11/20
• Angel Tree (branch requests and Delaware Valley Children’s Charity), gifts accepted through 12/7