WJCS’s annual Have a Heart for the Holidays Luncheon brought together longtime supporters, new friends, and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to helping local children experience the joy of the holiday season.
Hosted by WJCS NextGen Council member and Scarsdale resident Courtney Katze at her home, the luncheon collected more than 200 holiday gifts, contributing to WJCS’s largest holiday drive to date!
WJCS team members Tally Palefski, Director of Early Childhood Programs, and Katrina Schermerhorn, Vice President of Children, Youth and Family Services, spoke to guests about how gifts would be distributed throughout our programs and that our clients would be so grateful to receive them.
This year, WJCS expects to provide holiday gifts and support to more than 1,000 children and youth served through our 100+ programs, including mental health services, youth programs, developmental disability services, and family support programs.
As WJCS Chief Advancement Officer Amanda Garfinkle shared, “These gifts mean so much more than what’s under the tree. For parents and caregivers facing financial hardship, knowing that their community cares enough to make the holidays special for their children brings comfort, hope, and connection.”
A heartfelt thank-you to our Host Committee members Amanda Beckman, Marina Glezer, Laura Greenfield, Courtney Katze, Sarah Kayle, Linda Plattus, Poornima Eber, and Nina Ross for helping make this event possible, and to Blondie’s Treehouse for the beautiful floral arrangements.
The holiday drive is still underway! Community members can help make the season brighter by donating, shopping from our Amazon Wishlist, volunteering, or joining the WJCS NextGen Network. We will be collecting donations through the end of November. Click here to get involved in our Have a Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive.
Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for helping ensure that children and families throughout Westchester feel remembered, supported, and cared for this holiday season.
