In this issue: Step-Up and Sleep-Out event raises awareness for youth homelessness; holiday drive kicks off; Youth In Need receives Better Neighborhoods award; and save the date for Boatload of Toys.

Together, We Can Make a Difference: Step-Up and Sleep-Out 2025

Youth In Need’s Step-Up and Sleep-Out event, an evening dedicated to raising awareness for youth experiencing homelessness, is coming up on November 19!

Leading up to the event, we are collecting donations to build 100 warming kits. Youth In Need’s Street Outreach team will hand out these kits this winter. Each kit will include gloves, hats, blankets, first aid supplies and a few other essentials.

Please consider donating these much-needed supplies to help youth experiencing crisis this winter, and join us on November 19! It will be an impactful evening where you will be able to take part in a panel discussion about Youth In Need’s programs and help us assemble the supply kits we will be using in our outreach efforts.

Give Hope This Holiday Season: Holiday Drive 2025

The holidays are a time for hope, joy and giving—and YOU can help make the season magical for the children, youth and families Youth In Need serves.

Join our 2025 Holiday Drive and be a part of something truly special. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Adopt a Youth In Need program and fulfill the needs of a classroom, group home or therapeutic program.
  • Collect items from our Holiday Wish List to be distributed where needed.
  • Shop from the Amazon charity wish list and have your donation shipped directly to Youth In Need.
  • Make a cash donation to support the 2025 Holiday Drive.

Together, we can turn wishes into reality.

Youth In Need Receives Better Neighborhoods Award

Last month, Youth In Need attended the Night Out for Neighborhoods event hosted by Desales Community Development, where we were presented the Better Neighborhoods Award—an award recognizing our commitment to supporting children, teens and families while strengthening our community.

“With staff who wrap services around residents to ensure housing stability and address challenges with care, Youth In Need exemplifies the power of partnership in creating stronger, healthier neighborhoods.”

We are so honored to receive this award and partner with such a wonderful organization. Thank you, DeSales, for your commitment to advancing the well-being of neighborhoods.

16th Annual Boatload of Toys Drive with 93.7 The Bull

Join us for 93.7 The Bull’s 16th annual Boatload of Toys drive on December 6 and 7! The Bull will be outside Bass Pro Shop in St. Charles, collecting your generous gifts of toys, hygiene supplies, books and more —all for Youth In Need. Head over to Bass Pro and drop a new, unwrapped donation from our wish list in the boat.