“We have been members of the YMCA for almost 7 years now. Over the years, my son has participated in basketball lessons, t-ball, floor hockey, Ninja Warrior, swim lessons, the infant daycare program, the preschool program, the 2020 Kindergarten program and the summer camp program. My infant daughter also takes swim lessons at the Y. The YMCA has been there for our family by providing a safe, fun environment with great people that we feel comfortable bringing our children to. The scholarship the Y offers also lets us sign our children up for sports and programs that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

This is the third year we have been part of Jeremy’s Giving Tree. The tree takes a little pressure off being able to provide the type of Christmas that our children deserve, but we are unable to always afford. We want our children to have the same Christmas as every other child, and even working full time, a lot of families are still not able to achieve that. Knowing that there are a few presents under the tree that our children really want gives us a relief – and a great feeling knowing that we have help and are thought of.

My favorite memory from the tree was when my son got a really nice new pair of shoes, which sounds silly because it’s shoes right? But even a pair of new sneakers is an expense for struggling families. He loved the shoes and they fit perfectly, and I think just going to school in new shoes gives every kid confidence.

I would encourage people to take an ornament because there are people in the community that truly need the support. They are your neighbors, coworkers, friends, people you would never suspect, and for some children, these may be the only gifts they get this year. Your generosity will leave a lasting impression on a child that they are loved and thought of not only during the holiday season, but all year round.”