Tye Hill: Gathers Gifts for Kids to Give

Taraneh “Tye” Hill has been volunteering along with her husband at their local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of America for many years, and took over the Christmas project three years ago. Since then, they have expanded, gotten more organized and focused and while they shop year-round to have enough by December 1st, they are always short of jewelry and gifts for men. Tye is responsible for coordinating the work force as well as the acquisition, display and wrapping of gifts for a week-long bazaar described as an extravaganza that rewards the children for doing well and also lets them choose presents to give to their families with the points they have earned all year. This enables the children to give gifts while feeling proud of themselves. Last year, Tye coordinated the efforts of 260 volunteers and wrapped more than 4,000 gifts to make the lives of 650 children and their families much happier for the holidays. The project has become so popular it is now open to other children's organizations in town. The efforts to collect gifts starts early each year, to give everyone enough time to amass as much as possible with enough time for it all to be beautifully and lovingly displayed. Donations are needed for the Mothers, Stepmothers and Grandmothers (jewelry is always appreciated) and they don't forget Dad or Grandpa either. As Tye says: " I do this because the children are our future and they must know the community cares about them. I ask all volunteers to come to work in their uniform like sport teams, police, firemen, doctors, nurses and teachers etc." "To witness the children proudly walking out with lots of packages with a big smile is my reward." Lend your support to the annual campaign for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Indiana or find out how you can get involved in the efforts of your local Boys & Girls Club of America. Do you know someone who volunteers their time to make life just a bit brighter for others? Nominate them for next week's AmericanTown's hero.