Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, in partnership with Twin Cities schools and Cargill, will present the 20th annual Mitten Wishes program for the 2024 holiday season.
Mitten Wishes is coordinated by YMCA of the North Beacons, a collaborative community initiative designed to help young people establish connections with caring adults and peers in a safe space; improve whole-person wellbeing; stay on track academically through high school graduation; develop skills to prepare for college, work and life; and foster connections with school and the community.
At the start of the holiday season, participating students submit holiday gift wishes. Cargill employees have the opportunity to sign up to purchase gifts from the students’ wish lists. Gifts are opened at school during a celebration with families. All participating students receive at least one item from their wish list. Since the launch of the program in 2004, over 6,000 students have been served.
“Programs like Mitten Wishes help build a sense of belonging and connection for young people, their families and their school communities, which is one of the reasons we see Beacons participants attending school a week more than their peers,” said Jenny Collins, vice president of educational impact for the YMCA of the North. “Students and families are active participants in this annual tradition. Mitten Wishes is a tangible way that local partners can help lean in and wrap around schools to meet community needs – while simultaneously supporting student attendance and achievement.”
“Having the Mitten Wishes program at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School has been tremendous help for families during the holiday season,” said Pedro Bustamante, senior program director of Beacons at Nellie Stone Johnson. “It gives hope and joy to so many students who get to open the gift that they wished for!”
“This event has impacted our North Minneapolis families for years at Nellie Stone Johnson and the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, and it is wonderful to see the reach extend into St. Paul this year with the addition of Maxfield Elementary,” said Shakira Onwuachi, associate executive director of the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA. “Partners like Cargill truly make a difference.”
"At Cargill, supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do, and the Mitten Wishes program is a shining example of that commitment,” said Todd Curtis, Mitten Wishes program coordinator at Cargill. “For over 20 years, this initiative has brought joy to students and families while fostering a sense of connection and tradition among our employees and their families. We are proud to partner with the YMCA of the North and local schools to help make the holiday season brighter for so many. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our community."
Opportunities are available for additional corporate partners to participate in Mitten Wishes. To learn more, contact Mark Richter, Beacons program executive, at mark.richter@ymcamn.org.
WHAT: Mitten Wishes gift opening
WHERE: Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School, 807 27th Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 19, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 168 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.