The Westchester County Youth Bureau extended the reach of the Westchester County Department of Social Services’ annual Holiday Gift Drive with an additional gift drive on their behalf. Jointly with the Westchester County Youth Board, the Westchester County Youth Empowerment Council for Change (YECC) and local My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) partner organizations, the Youth Bureau delivered hundreds of additional presents to DSS to be enjoyed by kids who need it most this holiday season.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “What took place today is a testament to the true meaning of the holiday spirit. It amplifies what has been a beloved institution for twenty years – the Department of Social Services Holiday Gift Drive. This year’s initiative demonstrates exactly what happens when we allow government to work the way it should; a wonderful synergy between two of our County Departments – the Department of Social Services and the County Youth Bureau – and I hope it becomes an annual tradition.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “The Department of Social Services (DSS) Holiday Gift Drive provided a meaningful way for all of us to support those families who may be struggling during the holidays! By joining forces with our Youth Advisory Board, YECC and local school districts’ MBK partners in this important initiative, we are not only helping to provide tangible items like, clothing and gifts—we are also sending a message of hope and solidarity …When young people see their community working together to help those in need, it teaches them the power of kindness, generosity and responsibility. Through this partnership, we are also teaching our young people the importance of giving back. This kind of service and involvement helps instill values that can last a lifetime, encouraging our future leaders to be compassionate, caring and active in their communities.”
Spearheaded by the Youth Bureau’s newly-appointed Executive Director, Ernest McFadden, it was the first and highly successful collaboration of the Youth Bureau with DSS in the almost 20-year history of the Holiday Gift Drive. Utilizing a flyer created by the Youth Bureau to solicit donations, the members of each of the affiliated entities approached friends, family members, local schools and other community outlets. As part of their civic engagement requirement, 18 Fellows from the local MBK school districts participated from the Town of Greenburgh, City of Mount Vernon, Town of Ossining, City of Peekskill, City of New Rochelle, City of White Plains and City of Yonkers.
Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard G. Townes said: “We greatly appreciate the gifts for so many children, but we especially appreciate the Westchester County Youth Staff; Youth Advisory Board; the members of the Youth Empowerment Council for Change and My Brother’s Keeper for inspiring and supporting this kind of community engagement. To all the young people involved, thank you. Your efforts not only will brighten the lives of children this holiday, but also stand as an example of caring and community leadership for your peers.”
In addition to having pride about the abundance of gifts collected, the youth leaders represented today experienced the joy of giving, and had the opportunity to publicly share their heartfelt experiences doing so.
Westchester County Youth Empowerment Council for Change member Harrison Millan said: “This year’s DSS Holiday Gift Drive was a wonderful opportunity for the youth of Westchester to support each other. I personally experienced the support that DSS provides when my family adopted a foster child. Emma went from being a stranger to my sister in a single day. Coming from a difficult childhood and numerous foster homes, Emma often felt left out of holiday celebrations. Gifts are so important in making children like Emma feel included in the hopefulness of the season.”
