NSYMCA Celebrates the Season with their Annual Holiday Giveback Event

Northbrook, IL: December 2024 – In its 7th year, the North Suburban YMCA Holiday Giveback event was held on December 7th and drew over 100 volunteers of all ages to help create “Blessing Bags” for people experiencing homelessness.

Hosted by the NSYMCA Social Responsibly Committee, over 200 blessing bags were created and filled with essential items such water bottles, socks, washcloths, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and other toiletries. Volunteers made homemade holiday cards carefully crafted bringing a personal touch to each blessing bag.

The bags were immediately distributed that night to the Olive Branch Shelter in Chicago through another non-profit organization, Project I Am, a Chicago-based charity started by Jahkil Jackson in 2016 at the age of 8. Jackson, now 16 years old, also attended the event with his family.

“We always feel so humbled by this event, especially when we see so many families from children to grandparents come out to support,” exclaimed Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment and Events. “Now in our 7th year, we have made over 2000+ blessing bags over the years and hope to continue this work thanks to supporters in our community.”

“This is my second-year volunteering for the Holiday Giveback,” said Madi Murphy, 8th grader at the Northbrook Junior High. “Events like this one help me and my friends with our volunteer service hours and I love volunteering, because it makes me feels good to help others in our community.”

Glenview residents and Y members, the Mercado Family participated with mom, dad, children and grandmother. “I love the Y events because they welcome all and encourage any age to participate, which is important to us and to our community,” stated Jessica Mercado. “My kids have learned a lot from the Y and from events like this one,” continues Mercado. “Thanks to the Y, it has encouraged my kids to do other volunteer events in our community too.”

Most of the donations came direct from the community including Y members, Y board members, local businesses and healthcare companies. The event sponsors included Allstate, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, UBS Financial Services and Wintrust Community Banks.

The next Community Giveback event is the Y’s Annual Pet Blanket Event called Fleece for Fur Babies and will be held on March 9th at the NSYMCA. Open to the community, the giveback seeks donations for new, unopened pet supplies. At the event, families can attend and make tie-fleece blankets for animals at local shelters. The event does require families to bring their own fleece and scissors. For more information CLICK HERE or visit nsymca.org.

If you are interested in joining a committee at the NSYMCA or learn more about their volunteer events, please contact Karen Brownlee at kbrownlee@nsymca.org or visit nsymca.org.

To help by making a monetary donation please visit NSYMCA.org or CLICK HERE 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.

About Project I am

Project I am is a non-profit organization that helps families and people experiencing homelessness. Project I am was started in 2016 by Jahkil Naeem Jackson, now 16 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.