YMCA of the Jersey Shore Holiday Gift Drive Brings Joy to Local Children and Families

SHREWSBURY, NJ – The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is spreading holiday cheer through its 2026 Annual Holiday Gift Drive, inviting community members, businesses, and local organizations to help bring joy to children and families facing financial challenges this holiday season.

Organized by YMCA Counseling & Social Services, the annual initiative provides complimentary holiday gifts to children and siblings of children enrolled in the Y's counseling outpatient and outreach programs. Through the generosity of the community, the drive helps parents and guardians fulfill their children's holiday wishes while easing some of the financial pressures of the season.

"Every child deserves to experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season," said the YMCA of the Jersey Shore. "Through this annual tradition, our community comes together to make a meaningful difference for local families, reminding them that they are supported and cared for."

How the Community Can Help

The YMCA is inviting residents to participate by selecting a child's wish list tag from the "Thanks for Giving" trees displayed at participating YMCA locations in Freehold, Red Bank, and Old Bridge.

Each child has identified two wants and one need, giving donors an opportunity to provide gifts that bring both happiness and practical support. Each requested gift should cost no more than $50.

Community members can participate in three easy steps:

1. Select a child's wish list tag from a YMCA "Thanks for Giving" tree.
2. Purchase the requested gift.
3. Return the unwrapped gift to a participating YMCA location by Monday, December 7, 2026.

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, the YMCA has created an Amazon Wish List, allowing supporters to purchase gifts and have them shipped directly to the organization.

Local Businesses Invited to Spread Holiday Cheer

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore invites local businesses, employers, and community organizations to help make the holidays brighter for children and families in need. Businesses can participate by hosting a "Thanks for Giving" tree at their workplace, allowing employees and customers to select a child's wish list tag and purchase gifts. The YMCA can provide a small "Thanks for Giving" tree to make participation easy and convenient. This meaningful opportunity brings coworkers, customers, and communities together in the spirit of giving while making a lasting difference for local families.

Interested in hosting a "Thanks for Giving" tree at your business? Contact YMCA Counseling & Social Services at 732-290-9040 to learn more and arrange participation.

Gift Drop-Off Locations

Unwrapped gifts may be delivered through December 7 to the Freehold, Red Bank or Old Bridge Family YMCA, or to either of the following Counseling & Social Services locations:

YMCA Counseling & Social Services
166 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747
732-290-9040

Bayshore Family Success Center
945 State Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737
732-497-3811

To learn more about the YMCA of the Jersey Shore's Annual Holiday Gift Drive, find participating locations, or access the Amazon Wish List, visit ymcanj.org/GiftDrive.

About the YMCA of the Jersey Shore

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its Counseling & Social Services programs, the Y provides mental health, behavioral health, substance use, senior services, and family support services, helping individuals and families build healthier, more resilient lives.

For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org