Community Corner
NSYMCA Celebrates the Season with their Annual Giveback Event
Volunteers come together to make "Blessing Bags" to help families experiencing homelessness.
Northbrook, IL: December 2023 – In its 6th year, this year’s North Suburban YMCA Holiday Giveback event held on December 9 drew over 150 volunteers of all ages to help create “Blessing Bags” for people experiencing homelessness.
Hosted by the NSYMCA Social Responsibly Committee, the Blessing Bags, filled with essential items such baby wipes, socks, deodorant and other toiletries, will be distributed through Project I Am, a Chicago-based charity started by Jahkil Jackson in 2016 at the age of 8. Donations came direct from the community including Y members, Y board members, local businesses and the community at large. The event sponsors included Allstate, Illinois Bone and Joint and Wintrust Community Banks.
“The outpouring of support this year was humbling, with more volunteers than we have ever had in the past,” exclaimed Karen Brownlee, NSYMCA Social Responsibility Chair. “It was amazing to see so many intergenerational families coming together to help those in our community who are experiencing homelessness. The spirit of giving was evident on Saturday,” continued Brownlee.
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In addition to the community volunteers, two local youth organizations came out to help including the NSYMCA’s Youth & Government Group and 1 for Community, a Northbrook Community Commissions group. With over 200 blessing bags created, the volunteers made homemade holiday cards carefully crafted bringing a personal touch to each bag that will be given away.
“It’s a continuous job as an adult, not just a parent, to educate and implore our young ones to see the world with big eyes,” said Robin Wilson, parent volunteer at the Y event. “I want my children to have empathy, acceptance and compassion for those less fortunate and this Y event is a perfect place to teach them.”
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The next Community Giveback event is the Y’s Annual Pet Blanket Event called Fleece for Fur Babies, will be held on March 10th at the NSYMCA. Open to the community, the giveback seeks donations for pet supplies, as well as asks families to make tie-fleece blankets for animals at local shelters. The event does require families to bring their own fleece and scissors. For more information go to 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 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.
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 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.
