If you missed the official kickoff of the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA’s holiday season with the annual Gobble Gallop on Thanksgiving morning, they once again brought in more than 1,500 participants and raised funds to support programming and membership opportunities throughout the year.
They have plenty of unique, family-friendly events in the next few weeks to add to the calendar.
Through December 6, their Giving Tree is available at the Avon location. Members of the community can grab an ornament off of the tree and purchase new, unwrapped gifts for a child in need.
“We partner with an elementary school in Wayne Township and an elementary school in Avon, and work with their guidance counselors to identify the underserved over the holiday season,” said Don Casey, associate executive director for Hendricks Regional Health YMCA.
In 2023 the YMCA served one of their largest numbers of youths to date with more than 250 gifts, and Casey anticipates serving a few more in 2024.
“There are always some last-minute needs and we don’t want to turn kids away,” Casey said. “There’s a huge need and a huge opportunity for us to do more. We’re looking for additional corporate partnerships too because we can’t do it alone.”
Each ornament on the tree will have a QR code on it, giving participants a list of the child’s needs and wants for the season. All gifts need to be dropped off at the YMCA by December 6. Then, on December 7 they’ll hold a wrapping party before inviting parents to stop by for pickup.
From giving and helping others to family fun time, the YMCA will host their second annual Grub With the Grinch on December 7. The event started out as a fun and unique spin and grew to include numerous holiday brunch and character visits in the area. It became a favorite activity of many Hendricks County residents last year.
You can’t beat visiting with the guy in green and his cantankerous mood, all while celebrating the holiday season with friends, family and fun.
YMCA staff will serve brunch and families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the morning.
“Last year we served over 200 kids,” Casey said. “They’ll decorate ornaments for the ornament decorating contest, participate in games and crafts, and we’ll have the movie, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’, playing upstairs. They’ll be able to visit with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who for photos.”
The Grinch will be in the area throughout the holiday season too. It’s not uncommon for him to pop in to the early learning program, or a family-friendly event throughout November and December, so be sure to keep your eye out for other Grinch sightings.
Grub With the Grinch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 7. Families need to register for the event online or at the front desk. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers per person, and you’ll receive an assigned staggered arrival time to give participants the best experience possible.
Finally, on December 17, the public is invited to the early learning program’s annual winter concert.
There’s no question that watching little ones sing their hearts out will cause you to bring the Christmas spirit home with you, and Casey called this year’s performance “extra special.”
“We looked at the diversity and background of the kids we have, and we have welcomed 15 families from countries all over the world, so we’re working on an all-inclusive concert that brings all of those countries together as a part of the early learning program’s event,” Casey said.
Of course, as a facility that welcomes 8,500 members throughout the year, the YMCA works to include all ages from all walks of life, and they do that through the various programs offered.
“In one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, we want to figure out ways to service active older adults, teens, children – the entire family,” Casey said.
Most recently, the YMCA has partnered with Sheltering Wings, the domestic abuse treatment and prevention center in Hendricks County, with the ultimate vision of creating a teen night each week.
“We want to designate a space for our teenagers meant specifically for them, with video games and board games and other fun activities,” Casey said. “This would bring teens together from all of our high schools in Hendricks and western Marion County, and it allows students to meet others outside of their traditional high school circle. We’ll be looking for support in that area soon so we have the needed supplies to launch.”
In fact, Casey said the YMCA is so much more than swimming and exercise. Many are unaware of the numerous programs they offer, from chronic disease prevention to kids’ night out, giving parents a break for the evening.
You can bring your six-month-old to the child care center while the adults work out, or participate in a veteran Hero Challenge.
“We couldn’t list all of the things we have to offer, but we want the community to know that they can expect this level of quality and service in every program,” Casey said. “It can be a challenge but it’s something we are going to do.”
The YMCA is celebrating its 170th anniversary in December, showcasing a long history of providing programs and activities to families across the globe.
As a nonprofit, they are dependent upon community support, sponsorships and donations. On Giving Tuesday, December 3, they ask for your support for not just Avon, but also all YMCA locations.
Look for membership promotions in mid-December. It’s an opportunity to join for the first time or return after a break. There are a lot of new programs and events to look forward to.
“In 2025 as we move forward, we have things coming down the pipeline that are community-centric, and everyone is represented in this space,” said Roland Smith, executive director. “It’s a place we can all gather. Look for some amazing things the community can get involved in, and we’ll continue to make an impact in those areas we do well.”
