Auburn Youth Resources wishes to thank the many individuals, families, social clubs and businesses in the area that donated school supplies and backpacks, which allowed more than 125 youth to feel good about attending their first day of school prepared.

Parents were able to breathe a little easier knowing that their child’s first day of school would be one of readiness and enthusiasm. The children expressed their gratitude with thank you notes and big smiles. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generous giving.

Thank you to the businesses that joined in our supply drive: Auburn V YMCA; Algona, Auburn and Muckleshoot KCLS librarians; Banana Republic Factory Outlet; Bright Horizons: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies: and REI.

AYR is seeking individuals, families, businesses and social groups to “adopt” AYR families for the holiday season. This is your chance to gather folks together and give food and gifts to families who are undergoing hardship.

Our client family stories are diverse. Some families you see at AYR may be just like your own, only working through a challenging life situation – poor health, loss of a job, loss of a loved one. Some are trying to get a higher education for better employment opportunities while working to meet the basic needs of the family. Other families may have domestic violence, homelessness, alcohol/drug abuse, mental health concerns which interfere with meeting the family needs.

Whatever the reason for coming to AYR, these families need the compassionate warmth and kindheartedness of people like you.

To learn more about AYR’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, please contact me at 253-939-2202 or e-mail TiariDe@ayr4kids.org. Check out our website at www.ayr4kids.org.

– Tiari DeGraw