Cortland YWCA Looking For Community Support For Their Annual Kidsgiving Family Thanksgiving Dinner and Holiday Gift Shop

As the holidays approach, the Cortland YWCA is seeking community support for their annual Kidsgiving family Thanksgiving dinner, which will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, and their reimagined Holiday Gift Shop, which will open to pre-registered families on December 18th.

The YWCA of Cortland says their mentoring program is seeking support from the community for the two holiday initiatives. The organization’s annual Kidsgiving, is a free Thanksgiving dinner for families in the Cortland area who have children aged 0-17. The event supports the YWCA’s mission to empower families and ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and cared for, especially during the holiday season, the Cortland YWCA says. The annual event includes a holiday meal and age-appropriate games and activities for the entire family.

“For many in our community, the holidays are a time of stress due to financial hardship, food insecurity, or isolation. Kidsgiving provides comfort, community, and a festive experience in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Mindy Gardner, Director of YWCA Cortland’s Mentoring Program. “When supporters donate food, supplies, money, or time, they are helping us deliver nourishment, joy, and dignity to families who need it most. Every item, whether a single pie or a case of water, makes a direct and meaningful difference in someone’s day.”

The Cortland YWCA will begin to accept donations from the 17th through the 20th, but is also accepting monetary donations to purchase items needed for the meal. The YWCA has provided a link of the food and needed supplies for Kidsgiving HERE. Volunteers are also needed with a variety of roles available between 9am and 6pm for the 22nd.

The Mentoring Program in addition to the Kidsgiving is asking community support to spread more holiday cheer for families in need with their Holiday Gift Shop. The Mentoring Program each year supports families again in the Cortland area during the holiday season by providing gifts to those experiencing economic hardship. This year’s drive has been reimagined to better reflect the Cortland YWCA’s mission.

“Previously, we have asked community members to take a tag off the “Giving Tree” in our lobby and provide gifts for a specific child. This year, we’re trying something a little different!” continued Gardner. “With our Holiday Gift Shop, parents, guardians, or caregivers will be able to personally choose two new toys and one clothing item for each of their children. This approach allows families to experience the joy and pride of selecting gifts for their children themselves, something every parent deserves.”

Community members can help stock the Holiday Gift Shop full of new and unused gifts for children of all ages. They can bring unwrapped gifts to the YWCA front desk labeled “2025 Holiday Gift Shop” or purchase items to be delivered to the YWCA on the 2025 YWCA Cortland Holiday Gift Assistance Amazon Wishlist, HERE.