Throughout December, many of the YAI Network’s corporate partners got into the holiday spirit by coordinating and volunteering at events that helped make the holidays even brighter for some young students who attend YAI preschools in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.

KPMG Literacy Event

As part of their National Literacy Campaign called “operation season’s gREADings,” KPMG volunteers joined staff and preschoolers at YAI’s Gramercy School in Manhattan for an afternoon of reading winter-themed books. After reading to the children, volunteers distributed gift-wrapped recordable books for each child to take home. More than 650 books were distributed amongst Gramercy as well as YAI’s preschools in Brooklyn and Queens.

“YAI is an extension of my family,” said Migdalia Thomas, Associate of Operation Services at KPMG. “KPMG has been working with YAI for so many years and it’s always amazing to work with the YAI staff. Doing this event is the best part of the holiday season at KPMG.”

Macy’s Holiday Party

“Volunteering is always in fashion,” proclaimed the back of t-shirts worn by Macy’s volunteers as they spent time with preschoolers at the YAI’s Roosevelt School and students at the Manhattan STAR Academy, both located in Manhattan.

Macy’s volunteers generously donated supplies to create holiday arts and crafts projects with the children as well as festive cookies for all to enjoy. To the delight of the students, two Macy’s volunteers even dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and handed out presents to every child.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is a fundamental corporate philosophy at Macy's,” said Agnes Zakrzewska, Director of Employee Volunteerism and Giving at Macy's. “It was a very fulfilling experience for myself and all of our wonderful volunteers. Nothing beats putting a smile on childrens' faces.”

Swiss Post Solutions Toy Drive

For the third consecutive year, volunteers from long-time corporate partner Swiss Post Solutions brought holiday cheer to children at the YAI’s Harry H. Gordon School in the Bronx. Swiss Post Solutions organized a toy drive and delivered more than 200 presents to the preschoolers. Volunteers presented gifts to the children and took photographs as each child got to meet Santa

 “Swiss Post Solutions is honored to have an annual toy drive for YAI,” said Russ Cusick, Chief People Officer of Human Resources and People Services, Swiss Post Solutions. Russ, along with Louis Ladehoff, Director of Marketing & Communications and Shakyra Nixon, Marketing Associate, led the Swiss Post team in organizing this event. Russ continued: “  Our employees see the Toy Drive as a highlight of the holiday season.  Swiss Post is always looking for ways to give back to our community.  It gives us all great satisfaction to know that we may play some small part in brightening someone’s holiday.”

All of the efforts that our corporate volunteers made to brighten the holidays for many of the children served by the YAI Network were deeply appreciated by everyone involved. “It was so heartwarming to have so many corporate partners engage in holiday giving activities,” said Brooke Drexler, Assistant Manager, Corporate Volunteer Program at the YAI Network. “When companies choose to give their time and become part of the experience, the benefits and possibilities of what we can achieve are far-reaching and truly inspiring.”