Help us support our community…one box of mac and cheese at a time.
The Y’s Giving Box Project has a mission to support families and individuals in our community - who simply need a helping hand when in a pinch - by providing a package of food, a warm winter coat, or a backpack full of notebooks and crayons. In an effort to take a small burden off of those in our community who find themselves in a challenging spot, we are asking you and members of our community to rally together and donate new or lightly used items to be distributed to our YMCA neighbors in need.
Our collection items will change throughout the year based on crucial and seasonal needs. If you find it in your heart (and your pantry!) to help support this project, we would be forever grateful.
Ready to Help?
You can support the Y’s Giving Box Project in the following ways:
• Place items in the Giving Box in the lobby of the Fercho YMCA (400 1st Ave. S. Fargo).
• Give financially by donating directly to the Giving Box project online.
Collection Items
Below is a schedule of items that we plan to collect throughout the year. We encourage items to be geared toward families with children ages infant through 17. All items must be new and unopened unless otherwise specified. Keep your eye out for announcements in our Fercho YMCA Lobby and on our social media pages for when each new seasonal drive launches. Based on the current needs of the community, this list may adjust slightly throughout the year.
+ January Collection Items
Diapering Essentials
Diapers size 2-4 and baby wipes*
Distributed to:
These items will be given to YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Must be new and unopened
+ February Collection Items
Camp Items
Bug spray, sunscreen, new swimsuits for boys and girls ages 7-14, sleeping bags, new twin-sized sheets, new beach towels, etc.
Distributed to:
These items are provided to children who attend YMCA Camp Cormorant on scholarship and may arrive without.
*Giving Hearts Day Goods Donation Site
+ March Collection Items
Canned Food Items
Non-perishable food items* such as canned fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils, canned meat, soups and stews, etc.
Distributed to:
These items will be included in the YMCA's Blizzard Boxes, given to child care participants and others who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Non-perishable only
+ April Collection Items
Snack Food Items
Non-perishable food items* such as granola bars, nuts, jerky, dried fruit, oatmeal cups, trail mix, crackers, popcorn, dried fruit etc.
Distributed to:
These items will be included in the YMCA's Blizzard Boxes, given to child care participants and others who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Non-perishable only
+ May Collection Items
Diapering Essentials
Diapers size 2-4 and baby wipes*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Must be new and unopened
+ June Collection Items
Food Items
Non-perishable food items* such as canned goods, boxed dinners, peanut butter, canned protein, etc.
Distributed to:
These items will be included in the YMCA's Blizzard Boxes, given to child care participants and others who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Non-perishable only
+ July Collection Items
School Supplies
Notebooks, crayons, markers, erasers, pencils, pens, highlighters, black dry-erase markers, pocket folders, backpacks, safety scissors, calculators, glue sticks, pencil pouches, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA child care participants who may otherwise not have access to these items.
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
+ August Collection Items
Hygiene Items
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap etc.*
Distributed to:
These items will be shared with YMCA child care participants, families participating in the YMCA Giving Tree program and included in YMCA's mini food pantries.
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
+ September Collection Items
Cold Weather Items
Stocking hats, crew socks, mittens, gloves, etc.*
Distributed to:
These items will be shared with YMCA child care participants and members in need.
*Must be new, geared for children 17 and under
+ October Collection Items
Children's Games, Books and Comfort Items
Board games, puzzles, throw blankets, children's books for all ages, blocks, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA Giving Tree participants
*Must be new and geared for children 17 and under
+ November Collection Items
Food Drive
Giving Tree wish list items and also staple items like gift cards, books, LEGO sets, puzzles, skin care sets, sports items, art supplies, blankets, etc.*
Distributed to:
YMCA Giving Tree recipients
Giving Tree
*Must be new and geared for children 17 and under
+ December Collection Items
Giving Tree Presents
Non-perishable foods* include canned goods like beans and vegetables, dry goods such as rice and pasta, nut butters, dried fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable milk, canned or jarred sauces, snacks, baking supplies, oils and vinegars, and broths and stocks.
Distributed to:
These items will be included in the YMCA's Blizzard Boxes, given to child care participants and others who may otherwise not have access to these materials.
*Non-perishable only
If you are able to help us spread the word about this project, our community would be so grateful. At the Y, we know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why strengthening community is our cause.