The word philanthropy comes from the Greek, meaning “love for humankind.” The roots of philanthropy on our peninsula run deep. Two great examples of generosity to others are the Tree of Giving Program and the Annual Fund at the Boothbay Region YMCA.

The Tree of Giving initiative is a long-standing tradition that provides special Christmas gifts to children each year. By reaching out to the community navigator, the schools, and to local families, the Y gathers anonymous information about deserving young recipients and their special wishes this year. Parents specify the age of each child along with a “need” and a “want” for the child. This year there were 39 families and 91 children who participated in the program, a nearly 40% increase over last year.

Using this information, the Y creates individual tags that are placed on the Christmas tree in the front lobby. Over 200 Y members and community partners pulled tags, purchased, and wrapped gifts—often in multiples—bringing them to the Y with the tags they selected from the tree. In addition, eight donors made cash gifts equaling $825 that was used to purchase gifts to augment the program, including Action for Animals who donated a portion of the proceeds from a recent fundraiser to support the Tree of Giving. The BRHS Interact Club, a group of high school students who perform community service, took several tags and shopped and donated gifts. What a wonderful way for local teens to learn about philanthropy and giving back!

In addition to the acts of philanthropy through gift giving, the Bosarge Family Foundation gave each family a Hannaford gift card. The gift cards ranged in value from $100 to $350, depending on the size of the family, and over $6,000 was donated to the 39 families who participated in the program. Finally, Sarah Foulger and Russ Hoffman donated a brand new pink electronic mini-Jeep and made one young girl very happy indeed at Christmas!

The Y is also grateful to the nearly 600 philanthropists who have donated the Annual Fund so far this year. These donors make an impact on the programs, people, and facilities needed to operate the YMCA. This fund supports about one third of the Y’s budget, in addition to the one-third each from membership dues and program fees.

If you have not yet had a chance to give back to the Y this year, we appreciate your consideration of a gift of any size before the 31st of December. Every gift matters, every gift makes an impact, and every gift is another example of our community’s commitment to philanthropy and fellowship.

The Y is grateful to all of those who supported the Tree of Giving and those who are Annual Fund donors. Happy New Year!