Help us support our community…one box of mac and cheese at a time.
The Y’s Giving Box Project has a mission to support families and individuals in our community - who simply need a helping hand when in a pinch - by providing a package of food, a warm winter coat, or a backpack full of notebooks and crayons. In an effort to take a small burden off of those in our community who find themselves in a challenging spot, we are asking you and members of our community to rally together and donate new or lightly used items to be distributed to our YMCA neighbors in need.
Our collection items will change throughout the year based on crucial and seasonal needs. If you find it in your heart (and your pantry!) to help support this project, we would be forever grateful.
Ready to Help?
You can support the Y’s Giving Box Project in the following ways:
• Place items in the Giving Box in the lobby of the Fercho YMCA (400 1st Ave. S. Fargo).
• Give financially by donating directly to the Giving Box project online.
Collection Items
Below is a schedule of items that we plan to collect throughout the year. We encourage items to be geared toward families with children ages infant through 17. All items must be new and unopened unless otherwise specified. Keep your eye out for announcements in our Fercho YMCA Lobby and on our social media pages for when each new seasonal drive launches. Based on the current needs of the community, this list may adjust slightly throughout the year.
January Collection Items
Personal Hygiene Items
Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair brushes, combs, diapers, baby wipes, towels, razors, etc.*
Distributed to:
These items will be given to YMCA summer camp participants who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Must be new and geared towards children 17 and under
February Collection Items
Summer Play Items
Summer games/toys, like basketballs, hula-hoops, baseballs, soccer balls, baseball gloves, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, etc.*
Distributed to:
These items will be given to YMCA summer camp participants who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Must be new and geared towards children 17 and under
March Collection Items
Essential Summer Items
Swimming suits, goggles, sunscreen, bug spray, flip flops, shoes, duffle bags, swim diapers, towels, etc.*
Distributed to:
These items will be given to YMCA summer camp participants who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Must be new and geared towards children 17 and under
April Collection Items
Winter Gear
Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, etc.*
Distributed to:
Winter gear will be given to YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*May be new or gently used, geared for all ages
May Collection Items
Food
Non-perishable food items*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Non-perishable only
June Collection Items
Food
Non-perishable food items* such as canned goods, boxed dinners, peanut butter, etc.
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Non-perishable only
July Collection Items
School Supplies
Notebooks, crayons, markers, erasers, pencils, pens, loose leaf paper, highlighters, three-ring binders, rulers, pocket folders, backpacks, safety scissors, calculators, glue sticks, pencil pouches, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
August Collection Items
School Supplies
Notebooks, crayons, markers, erasers, pencils, pens, loose leaf paper, highlighters, three-ring binders, rulers, pocket folders, backpacks, safety scissors, calculators, glue sticks, pencil pouches, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
September Collection Items
Pajamas and Essential Sleeping Items
Pajamas, socks, underwear, slippers, blankets, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, etc.*
Distributed to:
Giving Tree recipients
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
October Collection Items
Winter Gear
Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*May be new or gently used, geared for all ages
November Collection Items
Food Drive
Non-perishable foods include canned goods like beans and vegetables, dry goods such as rice and pasta, nut butters, dried fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable milk, canned or jarred sauces, snacks, baking supplies, oils and vinegars, and broths and stocks.
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Please consider donating a variety of healthy food items
December Collection Items
Giving Tree Presents
Giving Tree wish list items and also staple items like gift cards, books, blocks, puzzles, LED track lights, Pokémon cards, slime, art supplies, blankets, etc.*
Distributed to:
Giving Tree recipients
If you are able to help us spread the word about this project, our community would be so grateful. At the Y, we know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why strengthening community is our cause.