A big thank you to everyone who made our Hope for the Holidays backpack packing day so special. After multiple years of not having a group onsite for this joyful day, it meant the world to us to see so many new and familiar faces. Packing 350 backpacks filled with new clothing, hygiene supplies, treats, and goodies is no small feat – to say our volunteer team was thrilled to have so many incredible volunteers helping once again – is the understatement of the year.
We want to send the biggest thank you to the dedicated volunteers, and caring donors for helping to make the holidays more cheerful for young people who are facing homelessness. Sending a very special thank you to our incredible anonymous donor who provided $10,000 in matching funds for our Hope for the Holidays campaign. The backpacks will be given out throughout the holiday season including on Christmas day and at our youth holiday party.
Our youth holiday party was held on December 20th and even Santa made an appearance. There were games, karaoke, raffle prizes, a guess the candy station, a full turkey dinner, and of course Hope for Holiday Backpacks. Because it was such a cold and snowy day many young people spent the day at Drop-In staying warm, watching movies, and taking in all the festivities.
Donors also contributed special items and activities for our Caring Calendar which provided our young people with activities and treats each day of December. Everything from a smoothie-making evening, to new journals, games, and a movie night with popcorn.
Big thanks to all our donors, volunteers, and staff for making Christmas magical for our young people!
