YMCA Volunteers Share Toy Donations in Giving Tuesday Give-Back

For the second year in a row, employees of the North Suburban YMCA brought an early dose of holiday spirit to 11 local charities. In a unique “Giving Tuesday Give-Back” event, the Y distributed enormous bags of toys to children’s service organizations, military support agencies, and houses of worship on November 28, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. The toys were provided by Toys “R” Us of Highland Park, continuing an ongoing partnership with the Northbrook-based Y.

“This is an event that our staff really looks forward to,” remarked Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Senior Director of Community Investment. “It’s an opportunity to connect with and support agencies that share our mission of building strong families and communities. We know that these toys will all be loved by children served by these agencies.”

On a day when most non-profits like the Y are focused on soliciting donations for themselves, Y staff members wearing cheery Santa hats delivered large bags of toys to charitable organizations throughout its large north suburban service area. Recipients included Glenview Youth Services, the USO, Family Focus of Highland Park, St. Norbert Youth Ministry, Maristella services for homeless women and children in Libertyvillle, and a variety of other groups serving children and families in need. The program was launched in 2016 as part of Y-USA's nationwide campaign for Ys across the US to champion the #ShareKindness initiative.

"I can't tell you how grateful we are for the generous support of the North Suburban YMCA,” stated Bobbie Hinden, Center Co-Director of Family Focus Highland Park. “Giving Tuesday is emblematic of what we do at Family Focus: supporting children and their families in our community. We couldn't do what we do without the help of organizations like the YMCA.”

“What an amazing thing the Y is doing,” exclaimed Jim Walsh, Center Director of Great Lakes USO Naval Station. “The North Suburban YMCA continues to support the USO and we really value our partnership with them. Our families at the USO will be so grateful and excited!”

The Y’s participation in Giving Tuesday is just one of a series of Social Responsibility initiatives taken by Y employees to give back to the wider community. Monthly projects bring Y staff, community volunteers, and local organizations together to expand the Y’s outreach for a variety of causes. Projects have included distributing milkweed plants to support monarch butterfly populations, donating pet supplies to local animal shelters, delivering toys to a children’s hospital in partnership with a child-centered foundation, and collecting extra Halloween candy to send to military troops.

“Social responsibility is essential to the Y’s mission year-round,” explains Kathy Fielding, NSYMCA Vice President of Member Engagement, Programs and Marketing. “These volunteer activities have a positive impact on our entire community, and encompass a wide range of needs and interests. Our Y is part of a thriving network of service organizations throughout the northern suburbs, and we are proud to lend a hand when we have the opportunity.”

The North Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that relies on donations to fund its wide variety of life-changing services for individuals and families, which are made available to all in the community regardless of their ability to pay. For information on how to support to the YMCA, contact Kim Nyren, knyren@nsymca.org or 847 272 7250.

Photo 1 Caption: (Top row, L to R) Bobbie Hinden of Highland Park Family Focus met with Kim Nyren and Kathy Fielding of the North Suburban YMCA and children from Family Focus programs to accept a donation of toys in the YMCA’s Giving Tuesday Give Back on November 28.

Photo2 Caption: Employees of the North Suburban YMCA delivered bags of donated toys to 11 different charities in a “Giving Tuesday Give Back” on November 28. Left to right: Kim Gruemmer with daughter Lanie Gruemmer (Northbrook), Sandy Veith (Northbrook), Linda Epstein with daughters Abby Lenhoff, Dana Lenhoff (Northbrook) Tara Wesselink with daughter Bailey (Northbrook), Kim Nyren (Northbrook), Kelly Clippinger (Glenview) & Kanda McMullen (Glenview).

Photo 3 Caption: St. Norbert Youth Ministry met with the NSYMCA social responsibility committee and accepted a donation of toys in the YMCA’s “Giving Tuesday Give Back” on November 28. (L to R) Maggie Bruce, Kim Gruemmer, daughter Lanie, Sandy Veith, Judy Maloney and Karla Irving, all residents of Northbrook.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and the surrounding areas with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our community and each other. Every day we work side by side with our neighbors throughout 15 surrounding communities to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The NSYMCA is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.