The holidays will be a more joyous time for many children in the Bronx. On Sunday, Dec. 10, the Castle Hill YMCA, with tremendous support from Children’s Hope Chest, hosted an in-person shopping experience for families in the Southeast Bronx and Castle Hill community.
Every December, unaware and despite economic turbulence, children are filled with excitement and the wonderment of holiday magic. Rather than receiving the basics of underwear and warm clothes, they hope in the possibility of receiving toys from their ever-changing holiday wish-list.
With donations from Children’s Hope Chest, the Castle Hill YMCA Munch Center gymnasium was transformed into a “store.” With a mountain of toys, games, books, as well as coats, pajamas, socks and more from which to choose, parents went “shopping” for items for their children.
The Children’s Hope Chest (CHC) is an organization whose mission “is to provide help and offer hope to children in our community suffering from poverty, abuse, neglect and illness. We strive to increase social action by promoting adult and youth volunteerism.”
“On behalf of over 100 volunteers for this event, the Children’s Hope Chest Hope for the Holidays program has been a tremendous success said Lindsey Leibowitz, CHC co-president. “We were able to support over 150 families with over 5,000 donated items ranging from pajamas, coats, gloves, children’s books, toys and so much more.”
“We would like to thank the Bronx YMCA Castle Hill for their continued support of Children’s Hope Chest Hope for the Holidays program” said Alison Wachtel, CHC co-president. “We look forward to continuing to work with the YMCA to make this program even stronger in the future.”
In addition to the donations, the shopping experience was made extra nice with gift wrapping, sweet treats, holiday music, and a special gift of songs sung beautifully by Children’s Hope Chest youths.
Sharlene Brown, Castle Hill YMCA executive director, was overjoyed by the turnout. “Every year, this event gets bigger and better. We are so appreciative of Children’s Hope Chest and delighted in the care and support they have for our community. Our hope is that every child experiences joy during the holiday. Together, we can make that happen. Together, we can all make the world a better place.”
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