The Gift of Health and Wellness

By Heather Bright

The joy on a child’s face on Christmas morning is priceless. Watching one of my children open the gift they were hoping to unwrap brings me just as much happiness as it does them… maybe more. We’ve often heard it’s better to give than to receive and when you or I get to see the impact of a gift, that sentiment is true. It gives us a warm feeling to know that our action produces joy in another human.

What about when we do not get the opportunity to see the impact or feel the joy? Perhaps we are not as motivated to give. This isn’t an indicator that we do not care. It is most likely an indicator that we are not aware. The end of the year is a critical time for non-profit organizations like the YMCA of Greater Dayton. Up to 30 percent of annual gifts come from year-end giving. Perhaps if we had a glimpse of the impact of a year-end gift, we would feel motivated to make a difference before 2021 ends.

Before you decide to make a gift to the Y, or any non-profit, take time to research how the organization uses the generous gifts they receive. You may be surprised to know that The YMCA of Greater Dayton provided over $2.3 million in financial assistance to our area families in 2020. If only each donor could see the joy on the child’s face after swim lessons or the satisfaction of the man who finishes an early-morning workout because they are recipients of a scholarship. You will not be there for those moments, but families across the area shared stories of the impact of the YMCA. Several stories include families who visit the Y solely because someone chose to give. Families are utilizing more than just fitness equipment with a scholarship. Many families have the opportunity to enroll their children into the childcare programs, too. One dad said, “My wife and I both are working parents, it takes two incomes to make ends meet. We needed a child care program that we trusted to help with our three kids afterschool until one of us could get home. That’s when we turned to the YMCA.” With the help of The Strong Kids Campaign, the family experiences the benefits of having their children in a safe and engaging program. That is just one example of the impact of a year-end gift.

In the hustle and bustle of the season, we unintentionally overlook an opportunity to make a difference. Giving can be a family affair. A few years ago, we decided as a family that instead of giving gifts to each other we would support a non-profit dedicated to helping children and families around the world. There weren’t any presents under the tree for my three children, but they were eager to consider how a child on the other side of the world would react to their gift. Consider the impact your gift of any size could have on a family in your community. A year-end gift to the Y is generous no matter what the amount, and it will make an impact greater that you will ever realize. If you feel compelled to give this year, fill out this online form and be a part of giving thousands of people the gift of health and wellness in 2022.