It’s “Holiday Giveback” Time at the North Suburban YMCA

Northbrook, IL; November 2023: The NSYMCA’s Social Responsibility Committee has kicked-off its annual Holiday Giveback Drive and subsequent Packing Event on December 9 from 11-12pm. During the month of November and early December, the Y is collecting essential items for “Blessing Bags” to donate to people experiencing homelessness.

To fill each “Blessing Bag”, the NSYMCA is asking for donations of baby wipes, mini-bottled waters, Neosporin packets, travel-size Vaseline, toothpaste, alcohol wipes, band-aids, travel-sized shampoo and conditioner, washcloths, pocket tissues, granola bars or trail mix, and peppermints. All donations can be dropped off at the Y’s front desk through December 2nd. Monetary donations are also accepted, and the Y will go shopping for the needed items. The Y’s goal is to have about 200+ ‘Blessing Bags.”

The December 9 event invites volunteers to help pack the donated items into individual bags while also writing personalize holiday cards. There will also be a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus where families are welcome to take photos while supporting a great cause.

The “Blessing Bags” will be distributed in the Chicago area by Project I Am, a non-profit organization that helps families and people experiencing homelessness. Project I am was started in 2016 by Jahkil Naeem Jackson, who will attend this year’s event. Jackson, now 15 years old, was named one of the most influential people of 2017 by President Barrack Obama and has been recognized by numerous corporations and organizations like Disney, CNN and Marvel as a hero and youth ambassador of philanthropy and influence.

"Our annual Holiday Giveback event makes a huge difference in the lives of people in need and it is an event that unites multi-generations” said Sandy Veith, a five-year committee member of the NSYMCA Social Responsibility Committee. “I am honored to part of the social responsibility arm of the Y’s mission, and I have seen first-hand how much these events impact and help our community.”

Earlier this month, the Y’s Social Responsibility Committee collected leftover Halloween candy and donated it to the Northfield Township Food Pantry, Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, and C 24/7 in Chicago.

“Even though our Y is a non-profit ourselves, our mission is to help other non-profits in our community, making sure we do our part to strengthen families and communities,” exclaims Karen Brownlee, Chair of the Social Responsibility Committee at the NSYMCA.

To be a part of the “Blessing Bag” packing day event please sign up here. To help by making a monetary donation please visit Give 2023 | North Suburban YMCA (nsymca.org) or call 847-272-7250.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.