The 2018 ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) Holiday Giving project was a huge success thanks to the members and friends of First U! Together we fulfilled every list including one that asked for a welding machine. The requests ran the gamut from big equipment and a lap top computer, to personal care items and gift cards too.
Last week, Carolyn Gibson and Martha Gessler hosted two wrapping parties which by all accounts spread much fun and cheer among the many wrappers who helped out. Just in the nick of time too… Carolyn was hosting a house party and with all the gifts there, wouldn’t have had room for guests. Martha is also happy to have her house back so as to prepare for the holidays.
More cheer was spread to the Independent Living Coordinators who came to pick up all the wrapped gifts to deliver them to their young clients who have aged out of foster care. This makes their work so much cheerier than many other days.
But the best part is the cheer it brings to the young recipients of your generosity. Many of these would have nothing for the holiday if it weren’t for you, our donors. From the whole ILYA team, a huge THANK YOU and Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Blessed Ramadan, Kwanza blessings and Happy Winter Solstice!