LYNN — The YMCA of Metro North is hosting a series of holiday drives to provide gifts and scholarships to youth in the area.
The YMCA — which has locations in Lynn, Peabody, Saugus and Melrose — will be hosting giving trees and toy drives, accepting donations, and distributing gifts and YMCA scholarships to local children and families in need.
“Our holiday drives have always been a great success,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Metro North Kathleen Walsh. “For some children, these may be the only gifts they receive this holiday season.”
Each branch location will host the annual Angel Tree, where participants can select an angel from the tree and buy books, clothing, and toys from a child’s holiday gift wish list.
People can also choose to give a child a scholarship to access YMCA youth development, summer camp, swim lessons, and other educational programs.
Angel Trees are available in the YMCA lobbies.
“Whether it’s toys, gifts, donations, or coats, our community is always stepping up with their generosity to help when people need them the most,” Walsh said.
YMCA Metro North will also host other holiday drives at its locations, including coat drives at the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn and at the Y Academy in Stoneham.
A toy drive will be held at the Gymnastics Center in Saugus, and blood drives will be hosted in Lynn and Melrose.
“Our holiday drives are a way for us to teach children what the holiday season is really about,” said the Director of Childcare at Stoneham Y Academy Patti Bradley. “It’s rewarding to watch families encourage their children to think of others this time of year.”
To learn more about the holiday events happening at YMCA of Metro North, visit
https://www.ymcametronorth.org/events/.
