The holidays are fast approaching, which means ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) is gearing up to launch its annual Holiday Giving initiative very soon. This important project supports young adults up to age 23 who have aged out of the State’s foster care system with tangible, thoughtful items when they do not have the social supports or financial resources from a family like their peers do during the holiday season.

Since ILYA has partnered with the congregations at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek and Unitarian Universalists of Central Delaware that means that the Holiday Giving Project also benefits young adults in Kent County. Last year, so many of you rose to the challenge of supporting a record number of 112 young adults aging out of foster care and 16 of their children in both New Castle and Kent Counties. We could not have done this amazing feat without you and hope that many of you will contribute again this year.

We are still planning the details; however, there are a few ways members can get involved in the meantime. Please visit the ILYA table after church in the Parish Hall on Sunday, November 6th, 13th or 20th. We will be accepting financial gifts, 2023 calendars and boxes of winter-themed holiday cards (no religious themes) for young adults at these times and will be available to answer questions.

Stay tuned for more info on how to sign up to purchase specific gifts or to volunteer to help with wrapping presents. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of ILYA during the winter holidays and all throughout the year.

Please contact the ILYA Holiday Giving Project Coordinators with any questions:  Carolyn Gibson (cgibson@upenn.edu or 610-388-0405) and Martha Gessler (marthagessler@gmail.com or 302-427-9037).