YMCA News Archive

YMCA of the North brings together partners, schools to grant holiday wishes for youth through 20th annual Mitten Wishes program

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:05:26 +0000

YMCA of the North brings together partners, schools to grant holiday wishes for youth through 20th annual Mitten Wishes program jeffrey.needham Thu, 12/12/2024 - 10:05

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, in partnership with Twin Cities schools and Cargill, will present the 20th annual Mitten Wishes program for the 2024 holiday season.

Mitten Wishes is coordinated by YMCA of the North Beacons, a collaborative community initiative designed to help young people establish connections with caring adults and peers in a safe space; improve whole-person wellbeing; stay on track academically through high school graduation; develop skills to prepare for college, work and life; and foster connections with school and the community.

At the start of the holiday season, participating students submit holiday gift wishes. Cargill employees have the opportunity to sign up to purchase gifts from the students’ wish lists. Gifts are opened at school during a celebration with families. All participating students receive at least one item from their wish list. Since the launch of the program in 2004, over 6,000 students have been served.

“Programs like Mitten Wishes help build a sense of belonging and connection for young people, their families and their school communities, which is one of the reasons we see Beacons participants attending school a week more than their peers,” said Jenny Collins, vice president of educational impact for the YMCA of the North. “Students and families are active participants in this annual tradition. Mitten Wishes is a tangible way that local partners can help lean in and wrap around schools to meet community needs – while simultaneously supporting student attendance and achievement.”

“Having the Mitten Wishes program at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School has been tremendous help for families during the holiday season,” said Pedro Bustamante, senior program director of Beacons at Nellie Stone Johnson. “It gives hope and joy to so many students who get to open the gift that they wished for!”

“This event has impacted our North Minneapolis families for years at Nellie Stone Johnson and the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, and it is wonderful to see the reach extend into St. Paul this year with the addition of Maxfield Elementary,” said Shakira Onwuachi, associate executive director of the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA. “Partners like Cargill truly make a difference.”

"At Cargill, supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do, and the Mitten Wishes program is a shining example of that commitment,” said Todd Curtis, Mitten Wishes program coordinator at Cargill. “For over 20 years, this initiative has brought joy to students and families while fostering a sense of connection and tradition among our employees and their families. We are proud to partner with the YMCA of the North and local schools to help make the holiday season brighter for so many. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our community."

Opportunities are available for additional corporate partners to participate in Mitten Wishes. To learn more, contact Mark Richter, Beacons program executive, at mark.richter@ymcamn.org.

WHAT: Mitten Wishes gift opening

WHERE: Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School, 807 27th Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 19, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 168 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA to host games, activities, family fun during Holidazzle

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:45:43 +0000

Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA to host games, activities, family fun during Holidazzle jeffrey.needham Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:45

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Dec. 18-22 will host festive events at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA and on Nicollet Mall as part of the Minneapolis Holidazzle festival.

Holidazzle 2024 will bring free community winter celebrations to the heart of downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall between 6th Street and 11th Street. The Dayton YMCA is hosting games and activities, family fun, YMCA tours and more to help festivalgoers get into the spirit of the season.

All activities are free and open to the public.

WHAT: Holidazzle activities hosted by the Dayton YMCA

WHERE & WHEN:

The following activities are available during all Holidazzle hours:

Dec. 18-20, 4-9 p.m.
Dec. 21-22, 12-9 p.m.

Outdoor activities on Nicollet Mall at 6th Street:

Y Adventure photo station: Canoe in the snow with Y of the North mascot Sneakers!
Try your hand at corn hole, cowboy golf and other games
Periodic pop-up carol singing with team members from the Dayton YCMA

Indoor activities at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA, 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402:

Tour the YMCA branch
Open gym (basketball and pickleball): 4th floor
Holiday movies on the big screen: 5th floor
Holidazzle sensory-friendly space with quiet crafts: 5th floor
Chameleon Shops Holiday Market: 1st floor

The following scheduled activities will take place on the U.S. Bank Stage on Nicollet Mall at 9th Street:

Dec. 21-22, 12-1 p.m.: Snowga (snow yoga)
Dec. 21-22, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Family dance

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 14-15

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:00:26 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 14-15 jeffrey.needham Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:00

Fridley, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on Dec. 14 and 15 will host a metro-wide all-city basketball tournament for youth ages 6 to 14. All teams will play during the weekend, with the championship games held on Sunday.

Around 800 participants will compete in the end-of-session championship tournament. The event is the culmination of the eight-week season where participants engaged in sports programs at their local Ys.

“YMCA sports are built on the idea that everyone has an opportunity to play,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “YMCA athletes come from all backgrounds to unite as a team. Participants develop lifelong friendships and engage in healthy, positive competition.”

WHAT: YMCA All-City Basketball Tournament

WHERE:

Fridley High School, 6000 W. Moore Lake Dr. NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Fridley Middle School, 6100 W. Moore Lake Dr. NE, Fridley, MN 55432

WHEN:

Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Contact: Ben Holmes, 763-447-0935

About the YMCA of the North