Welcome to the 2024 YMCA Giving Tree!
Every year, through the YMCA Giving Tree, community members - young and old - have the opportunity to bring joy, spread light, and make holiday wishes come true to those in need in the Fargo/Moorhead/West Fargo community. Read below to learn more about the Y's giving efforts this holiday season and find an opportunity that fits with you and your family.
To Help Provide Gifts
Each year we count on our community to ensure that children in our area can celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season by supporting the Y's Giving Tree through gift items and monetary donations. Your generosity brings so much joy and hope to families who may not otherwise have presents to open this season! We ask that gifts be delivered to the Fercho YMCA (400 1st Ave. S. Fargo) by December 6 to ensure that families can enjoy them. Read below to learn how you can support the effort!
Shop for Local Children:
At Fercho and Schlossman YMCAs:
Starting November 7, Giving Trees will be set up at the Fercho and Schlossman YMCA along with additional locations in our community. Stuff a gift bag with wish list items specific to a child and/or family. To do so, please grab a tag from the Giving Tree in the Fercho or Schlossman lobby, and register your tag at the Member Services Desk.
New this year: ONLINE TAG SELECTION
Click to log in to the YMCA Giving Tree program on our customized Roonga site.
Visit the available profiles, and choose a tag for a child or family.
For all tags:
We ask that you put together gifts based on the items listed on the tag that are appropriate for the age and gender listed. We also ask that gifts be new, unwrapped, and dropped off at the Fercho YMCA Member Services Desk by December 6, 2024.
Supply Popular Gift Requests Via Target or Amazon
Help us supply some popular "staple" items, like gift cards, books, blocks, puzzles, LED track lights, Pokémon cards, slime, art supplies, and even essentials like clothing, winter gear, and blankets for children ages infant through 18. We will make sure that these items get intentionally placed in the most appropriate bags. Additionally, we welcome donations to help us package and transport gifts, such as wrapping paper, tissue paper, and garbage bags.
New, unwrapped donations can be dropped off by December 6, 2024 at the Fercho YMCA Member Services Desk.
To Volunteer
Looking for a simple and fun way to connect your family and friends with the needs in our community? – JOIN THE YMCA ELF SQUAD! Provide a chance for the young and young at heart in your life to give back this holiday season! We need you to help 'cause a stir' and sort gifts, fill wish lists, unload gifts, and distribute gifts that will bring joy to more than 1,600 children in our community. It's a great way to volunteer and it's an experience that's sure to bring you joy! Multiple shifts are available morning, noon, and night – no experience required!
Volunteer Information
Donate Monetarily
Make a cash donation that will allow our YMCA Giving Elves to directly purchase the gift items that are most requested by families and ensure that every participant receives gifts and much needed necessities this holiday season.
Become a Sponsor
Email GivingTree@YMCANorthernSky.org to learn how you can become a sponsor of this heartwarming community program.
To Receive Gifts:
November 13 Update: We are nearing program capacity, so you are encouraged to sign up as soon as you can. If you are unable to register for the program as it becomes full, please reach out to our Giving Tree team at GivingTree@ymcanorthernsky.org to be placed on a wait list.
YMCA of the Northern Sky is now accepting submissions for our YMCA Giving Tree program. If you have children 18 years of age or younger who would otherwise go without necessities or a gift this season, we invite you to sign them up for the YMCA Giving Tree. This year, we are adding eligibility guidelines to better serve those in need in our community. The YMCA collects important information from families to determine eligibility for program participation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Children ages Infant - 18
- Must reside in Cass (ND) or Clay County (MN)
- Families who receive: YMatch Financial Assistance, YMCA Child Care Financial Assistance, qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, or receive County Assistance.
- Families must be able to pick up gifts in Fargo, ND on December 13, 14, or 15, 2024.
Please note: if your family does not receive any of the above, please call FirstLink at 211 or visit their website at myfirstlink.org
If you are a Fergus Falls family in need, your local Giving Tree is provided through a partnership with the Salvation Army of Fergus Falls and the Blessing Closet. Please visit their website to learn more: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/FergusFalls/
2024 YMCA Giving Tree Sponsors
Fercho Properties
Forum Communications
A special note of thanks goes to our Giving Tree Sponsors - thank you for helping us serve more children in need in our community this holiday season. We are so grateful for your generosity!
Whatever holiday you and your family are celebrating this season, we wish you peace, joy, and hope!