In this issue: Boatload of Toys kicks off this weekend; it takes just one person to make a difference; Step-Up and Sleep-Out recap; and there’s still time to support the annual holiday drive.

This Weekend: 93.7 The Bull’s Boatload of Toys Drive!

Join us at 93.7 The Bull’s 16th annual Boatload of Toys drive this weekend, December 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

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!

It Takes Just One

Just as one snowflake can build a blizzard, it takes just one person to make a difference in the life of a child. One teacher cheering on a child’s very first steps in learning. One therapist listening when a young person feels unseen. One outreach worker guiding a teen from out in the cold into safety and care.

It takes just one person—to donate, to volunteer, to make a difference. You can be that one person this holiday season and beyond.

The Power of Safety: Step-Up and Sleep-Out 2025

Last month, Youth In Need’s Associate Board held its annual Step-Up and Sleep-Out community event. It was an impactful night where guests heard from a panel of Youth In Need staff who work daily with youth facing homelessness.

Tears were shed throughout the room as the conversation continuously came back to one overarching theme: safety. Not only are we here to help young people find physical safety, but emotional safety as well.

One thing we are proud to offer here at Youth In Need is not only a physically safe place to sleep, but an emotionally safe place to breathe. This event was a reminder that there is so much power and healing when young people have the space and safety to simply be a kid.

Thank you to our panel members and to everyone who attended and donated items to our Street Outreach team. Your support truly changes lives!

Holiday Drive: Give Hope This Holiday Season

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.