The winter holidays can hold some powerful memories for us: snow, family gatherings, shared meals, and maybe even an extra special childhood toy. But for some, the winter months and holidays can be a struggle. In Chittenden County and the greater Burlington area, the local YMCA works to fill the gap for a lot of local families who may be having a tough time making ends meet. But the YMCA resources can only go so far.
When Jess Lukas, Aquatic Director of the Greater Burlington YMCA approached the H-Team about being a business who might offer some support, we were thrilled to help out. In the past few years, we’ve been able to grow our internal efforts. Now, in both our Heritage Ford store and our Heritage Toyota store, we place a large truck in the showroom with a holiday tree. Each ornament on the tree is a gift tag that’s been filled out with an item that’s been wished for by a family member at the YMCA. As the tags are plucked from the tree and the items shopped for and returned, the trucks fill up with dozens and dozens of gifts and good wishes. It’s a wonderful sight.
We’re proud that, over the years, we have been able to help serve so many families, and ensure their holidays were a little brighter than they may have been otherwise. We all know that being able to help others in a time of need can feel great, but when our whole H-Team community pulls together to achieve a common goal, it is a different level of great. It’s what brings us together and it’s what drives us.
Check out the photos from the cheer drive below!