North Suburban YMCA’s sixth annual Holiday Giveback event on Dec. 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, according to a news release. Donations came directly 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,” Karen Brownlee, NSYMCA Social Responsibility Chair, said. “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.”
Two local youth organizations also came out to help, including the NSYMCA’s Youth & Government Group and 1 for Community, a Northbrook Community Commissions group, the release said. 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,” Robin Wilson, parent volunteer, said 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.”
According to the release, the next volunteer event is the Y’s Annual Pet Blanket Event, will be held on March 10 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.
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If you are interested in joining a committee at the NSYMCA or learn more about their volunteer events please contact Karen Brownlee at [email protected] 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.