ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) is kicking off our Holiday Giving project this week. You can help us bring some holiday cheer to youth who have aged out of foster care and are now on their own. And in the craziness of 2020, that’s more important than ever.

COVID 19 restrictions are making it a bit more challenging this year but we hope you’ll give us all the support you have in the past. In order to maintain social distance and still bring the project successfully in on time, we’re asking for monetary donations only this year. With your donations, we’ll purchase gift cards and fleecy, snuggly blankets for each youth and child. While they are not as exciting as getting more personal gifts, the youth value your thoughtfulness and support.

Youth like SK who attends Delaware Tech as a full-time student and is majoring in Business Management. She works 2 part-time jobs and last year finished the semester on the Dean’s list and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She lives in her own apartment and has been on her own since she was 18.

Or another, MP, who works the night shift so she can take care of her 5 year old while completing her high school diploma online. She maintains her own apartment with benefits from the state but has no other support to rely on. She’s independent and a very hard worker but won’t have much of a holiday for her and her son without our help.

We know these times are hard for many but if you are able, please help us bring some holiday cheer to these young people. You can donate by sending a check to the church with ILYA in the memo line or by using the GivePlus+ app on your mobile device (choose the ILYA option and it will go to Holiday Giving). Thank you for being there for these young people.