Making Spirits Bright
We often think of the holiday season as a magical time for kids.
Living in shelter, however, can be especially difficult this time of year, and many kids are left feeling stressed and lonely. That's why
YESS s
taff do everything they can to create warm memories and holiday cheer for the children and teens under our roof.
Turkey, veggie trays, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and other classic Thanksgiving treats fill table after table during YESS' annual Thanksgiving Feast. Members of Team YESS pitch in to create this impressive meal and
make sure every child has a full tummy and positive Thanksgiving memories, regardless of their family situation or the circumstances beyond their control.
|
|
Handmade ornaments and
a tasty Christmas tree
created by kids at YESS |
Once December rolls around,
kids look forward to holiday activities like decorating sugar cookies and learning to make other yummy holiday treats. Volunteers spend time with kids and even go caroling through the halls.
Kiddos of all ages can participate in a holiday-themed talent show and create fun winter art projects. Donations from the community (and even some special visits from Santa) ensure every child's wish list is answered.
In partnership with the community, we work hard to make the holidays a magical time for all kids. If you would like to lend a hand, visit our website or email Kristin.
|
|
Giving Tuesday
Will you join YESS in celebrating the spirit of giving? On
Giving Tuesday
, you can provide comfort to children when they need
it most and help YESS receive $10,000, thanks to a special challenge gift from American Equity Investment Life!
Mark your calendar for December 1 and keep an eye out for more details on how you can join this global day of giving back.
|
Making Your List, Checking it Twice
As you make your Holiday shopping list, there are many ways you can remember the kids who won't be home for the holidays this year.
YESS Holiday Wish List
Each winter, we ask the community to donate presents for kids as well as items that make shelter feel a little closer to home.
To view this year's Holiday Wish List, email
Jana.
Amazon Smile
Your AmazonSmile account is a simple and automatic way to help others every time you shop, at no cost to you. To support the kiddos at YESS, click here, and search for "Youth Emergency Services & Shelter".
 Goodshop/GoodSearch
An online search engine and shopping platform both provide donations to your favorite charities at no cost to you. To help the kiddos at YESS, just create your profile, set "YESS- Des Moines" as your charity of choice and shop till you drop!
|
|
|
Help kids with
just the click of
a button!
You can help YESS receive $2,000 from the Veridian Credit Union Spark the Spirit program. Voting ends tonight at 11:59pm!
Your vote only takes a minute to cast, but can create a lasting difference in the life of a child!
|
|
Minnesota Cabinets
Open House
December 3rd
4-7:00pm
9351 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
to support the
kids
at YESS.
|
|
Thank you to the
Iowa Association for Justice
, who chose YESS as the charitable partner for their 42nd Annual Convention and donated nearly $2,500 to help kids and families.
|
|
