Changing Lives One Gift At A Time

The Y’s Christmas program is making a difference in the community and bringing a smile to children in need.

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine waking up on Christmas morning without gifts under the tree. For so many families in the East Dallas community, this is an unfortunate reality. The White Rock YMCA aims to alleviate some of the stress and pressure of the holidays for those who need the most help through their Angel Tree.

The Angel Tree is a member-to-member program that allows YMCA and community members to “adopt” an Angel from the tree and purchase gifts for a specific child. All gift recipients are members of the White Rock YMCA and receive membership and program scholarships through the Y for All program. This program serves as a reminder of the reason for the season and reinforces the YMCA’s mission of being “For All”. “The first year we participated, the gifts from the Angel Tree were the only ones we had under the tree,” said Ellen, a member at the Y. “I wasn’t working and we couldn’t afford to buy anything special for Christmas.” Though the simple act of buying a donating gifts to a family in need may seem small, the impact is immeasurable. “It really made a difference that year and in the years after that. Seeing my boys’ faces light up when they saw that they had new toys to open was amazing.”

Angels will be available November 22nd. 
All are welcome to stop by the White Rock YMCA and pick up an Angel. Unwrapped gifts are due back to the Y by December 15th.

For more information, Contact Lupe Aviles (Gaviles@ymcadallas.org) or Marla Sone (MSone@ymcadallas.org)