The holiday season is a time for giving, and each December, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the Branch County Community Foundation spreads cheer through a special service project that’s become a beloved tradition for YAC. This year, YAC members came together to brighten the holidays for local families in need by shopping for Christmas gifts for children, ensuring that their holiday season would be filled with joy.
YAC, a group of young philanthropic leaders from Branch County and Colon, is dedicated to making a positive impact on youth in their community. Every December, they take part in this heartwarming project, working to support local families who may be facing financial hardships. The process starts by partnering with local schools—Coldwater, Quincy, Bronson, Union City, Colon, and Pansophia—who help identify families that could use a little extra help during the holidays.
This year, thanks to the collaborative effort with the school districts, the YACers were able to provide presents for 18 children. These gifts ranged from toys for children to household necessities that would bring comfort during the cold winter months, ensuring that each family felt the spirit of the season.
For the YAC members, this annual project is more than just about giving gifts—it’s about giving back to the community that supports them. It’s an opportunity for them to come together as a team, learn about the needs of their neighbors, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The excitement and joy of shopping for these gifts is immeasurable, as YACers enjoy spending time with their peers, picking out the perfect presents that will bring a smile to the faces of children and their families.
As they wrapped up the gifts and prepared to deliver them to the families, the sense of accomplishment was evident. Not only had they made a direct impact on the lives of those in need, but they also deepened their understanding of the power of community. The YACers learned that sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is kindness, and that small acts of generosity can create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.
Although it is the end of the calendar year, Christmas shopping is the start of a year of impact for YAC, and they are looking forward to another way of impacting youth in our community through their 2025 YAC grant cycle.
YAC is looking for grant proposals that align with the top concerns from their most recent youth needs assessment. You can learn more about YAC, their needs assessment, and their upcoming grant cycle on BCCF's website at https://www.brcofoundation.org/yac