Making the Season Bright - Thank you, Yankton!

From the Homes for the Holiday Bed distribution to Yankton Toys for Kids and the Adopt a Family program, United Way of Greater Yankton has been fortunate to witness firsthand the true spirit of giving this holiday season.

Thanks to our annual partnership with Slumberland of Yankton, 24 bed frames and mattresses were delivered to referred families throughout our community. Since 1991, Slumberland has been helping youth nationwide get the restful sleep they require by giving new beds to families in need. Through their 40 Winks Foundation and the Homes for the Holidays donation event, more than 45,000 beds have been donated to families who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor.

Thank you to Peggy and Larry Olson along with Slumberland of Yankton for your generosity and to Roger Hejl and the Knights of Columbus for delivering this year’s donation of beds. We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to the greater Yankton community.

United Way also called on our community to support over 180 local families through a partnership with Yankton Toys for Kids program and United Way’s Adopt a Family. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of individuals and businesses that stepped in and made both gift giving programs successful, serving over 470 local children.

Yankton Toys for Kids would not be possible without the efforts of Lisa Ryken and caring neighbors who help Santa Claus ensure that every referred child received a toy. Many thanks to our amazing volunteers Marcy Moser, Nathan Johnson, Linda Anderson, Monte Gulick, David Hosmer, Tyler Linch, Ethan Wishon, Whitney Devine, Michelle Kral, Sarah Thoms, Claire Kouri, Natalie Kleensang, Jill Kouri, Ellie Baumann, Annie Baumann, Harper Hosmer, Ella Hosmer, Steph Tautsiea, Amber Ness, Gail Kennedy, Leonard Hejl, Don and Mary Fiedler, Joan Heimes and Bob and Linda Peitz.

Thank you to this year’s Yankton Toys for Kids donation drop off retail locations: Yankton Rexall, Bomgaars, Dunham’s Sports, Walmart, Kopetsky Ace Hardware, and Menards.

And many thanks to each and every local business, individual, and family who served as donors for the Adopt a Family Holiday Program, adopting 78 local families.

The greater Yankton community continues to go above and beyond to make the holiday season bright for families in need, and we are appreciative of your tremendous generosity.

Thank you, Yankton, and Happy Holidays, from all of us at United Way of Greater Yankton!