YWCA HAS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

December 11, 2011

Christmas can mean a generous outpouring of giving, not only of gifts, but of time.

And Meagan's Box Foundation perhaps represents the best example.

On Saturday, more than a dozen helping hands showed at the city YWCA to help unload donated gifts for the programs.

Volunteers used an assembly line to unload more than 300 gifts from vehicles and into the West Fourth Street building.

"I love Christmas so it's kind of like having a little bit of Christmas all year long," said Meagan's Box Foundation Director Meagan Murray, of Hughesville.

She started the program out of her home 13 years ago while still in high school, said her mother Sue.

The beginning of the program was quite modest, with Meagan donating her birthday money.

With a total of 1,000 gifts donated, 2012 marks the biggest donation year the foundation has seen.

"It's grown," said Meagan. "Each year, somebody new donates."

Donations come from various groups, civic organizations and any individuals who want to give.

"Sometimes, things just appear on our porch," Sue said.

Many gifts go directly to Son-Light in Muncy and Family Promise in Williamsport.

The gifts include plenty of toys, but also clothing and other items.

Some monetary donations also are made.

This year, wrapping paper was given to the program, and in the past few years, donations of shoes have been included.

On Friday, several dozen people showed up at Meagan's home to wrap the presents, a traditional part of the program.

"It's really fun," Meagan said.

Gifts brought to the Y were separated and labeled in categories with regard to age and gender and type of present.

With monetary donations, the program can buy gifts.

"Meagan starts buying after Christmas," Sue said. "And people donate all year."

Meagan has a simple reason for doing the program: She want to help the community in some way.

"We know there's definitely a need for it," she said.

The YWCA gives hundreds of the donated gifts to the children who participate in the Y's Liberty House and Wise Options programs.

Liberty House is a shelter at the Y for women and children. Wise Options provides assistance to victims of domestic, sexual and criminal violence.