Every day, the SSYMCA provides a variety of programs and services, fueled by the support and contributions of generous donors, to help individuals and families in need or at risk across the South Shore. And there’s no better time to witness these gifts in action each year than the holiday season.
This week, South Shore YMCA staff packaged and prepared Thanksgiving meals that were donated for over 350 families throughout our community. After hundreds of turkeys and all of the accompanying fixings were packed, they regrouped to help distribute these meals across the South Shore.
“When I woke up this morning, I was overcome with happiness,” said Claire Brennan, Executive Director, The SSYMCA Germantown Neighborhood Center of the Thanksgiving meal delivery – an annual tradition at the Center. “I know that that box is just a box of food to some people. But to me, and to these families, its so much more than that. The recipients are going to prepare its contents, and they’re all going to sit down together and eat a healthy meal. It’s such a simple thing, but it takes the donors, it takes the South Shore Y, and it really takes a village to make this all happen. I’m so grateful that I’m lucky enough to see the joy in their faces when they pick up their dinners. A lot of people take holiday meals for granted, and we are so grateful to our donors who recognize the importance of contributing to Germantown and to the Y. I just think it’s the best.”
Visitors to the Germantown Neighborhood Center echoed Brennan’s comments of gratitude, especially with this special time of year in mind.
“The Center is just wonderful,” shared one visitor of the Germantown Neighborhood Center. “They help everyone who needs it in our community from children through seniors. A lot of people can’t afford to buy Thanksgiving dinners and the Center helps those in need so that they don’t have to go without. At Christmastime they give to families and children who can’t afford it, and they provide programs and events throughout the year, too. They just do so much, and help so many in our community.”
“The Germantown Neighborhood Center has been outstanding for me, for my family, for my children in so many ways,” added another Germantown resident. “My children were able to do things they otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do. I worked a lot and with three kids… it was not always possible to make ends meet but the [Germantown Neighborhood Center] always came through for me. When you know there are certain limitations and you come in and someone like Claire greets you with a smile, it feels like such a blessing and an honor that they actually care enough about people to dedicate their time. I love the program.”
To help more local families experience a happy holiday season, please consider donating in one of the following ways:
GIVING TREE: Visit our Quincy YMCA and Emilson YMCA branch in Hanover to select wish list items from our Giving Trees that you can purchase for families and neighbors in need. Once purchased, return your gift to either branch or to the Germantown Neighborhood Center.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Stop by our Quincy Branch or Emilson Branch in Hanover for details on adopting a local at-risk family. Adopting a family is a great way for families and colleagues to team up and make a difference together.
MAKE A DONATION: Visit ssymca.org/donate to make a Holiday Assistance donation.
Donations may be dropped off by Friday, December 14 at:
- Germantown Neighborhood Center, 366 Palmer Street, Quincy, MA 02169
- Quincy YMCA, 79 Coddington Street, Quincy, MA 02169
- Emilson YMCA, 75 Mill Street, Hanover, MA 02339
To learn more about how to get involved, contact us at (617) 376-1384 or visit our Holiday Assistance webpage.
