The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall encourages its members and the community at large to stop by the Welcome Center and choose an ornament from the YMCA’s annual Giving Tree. Each ornament represents a local child, age 18 or younger, whose family has an active Y membership, requires financial assistance, and needs help this holiday season.

"Our Giving Tree is extra special because we are filling the tree with nearly 180 YMCA scholarship children who are members here at our Rockwall Y,” said Bonnie LaVielle, Executive Director. “Each ornament lists the child’s age along with one need and one wish they have this Christmas. With your help, we’d like to make the season a little brighter for these local Y families.”

The YMCA, whose mission is to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, does not turn anyone away from participating in Y programs due to inability to pay. “We are a family here, and families help each other,” said LaVielle. “Each year our members and our staff amaze me with their generosity and giving spirit.”

To help fulfill a child’s needs:

• Choose an ornament from the tree.
• Take your ornament to the Welcome Center staff and sign out with your name, phone number and email address.
• Return your gifts to the YMCA no later than December 13.

The YMCA thanks you in advance for your generous support.