*Original publication date: November 1, 2025*

Each year, the YWCA Cortland Mentoring program aims to support Cortland area families during the holiday season by providing gifts to families experiencing economic hardship. Previously, we have asked community members to take a tag off of the “Giving Tree” in our lobby that represented a specific child and provide gifts for that child. This year, we’re trying something a little different!

We are excited to introduce….

The YWCA Cortland Holiday Gift Shop! 

Thursday, December 18 | 14 Clayton Ave | 9 am – 3 pm (Families will shop during specific time slots within this time frame)

This Holiday Gift Shop is a one day pop-up shop at the YWCA where parents of children enrolled in our Mentoring program have the opportunity to select holiday gifts and cold-weather essentials at no cost. The goal is to empower parents in our community by allowing them the choice of what they would like to gift their children. With this change, we aim to bring dignity and joy to families in need.

Want to register for the Holiday Gift Shop? 

Follow these steps:

1. Submit this Holiday Gift Shop Registration Form by December 1, 2025. Forms are also available at the front desk.

Anyone who signs up after 12/1 is not guaranteed to receive this assistance! 

2. Submit this Mentoring Program Sign-up Form. Families enrolled in our mentoring program will receive priority for this assistance and other giveaways throughout the year.

Questions? Contact Mentoring Director Mindy Gardner by calling 607-753-9651 ext. 123 or emailing bridges@cortlandywca.org.

Want to help spread holiday cheer to families in need?

We need to stock this Holiday Gift Shop full of new & unused, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages. Please bring gifts to our front desk labeled “2025 Holiday Gift Shop.” To ensure the Shop is stocked, please bring your gifts or have them delivered by Wednesday, December 17.

In general, we’re looking for things like:

  • Toys
  • Books
  • Creative play items
  • Warm clothing
  • Winter essentials (coats, hats, scarves, gloves)
  • Pajamas
  • Socks & underwear
  • Blankets & bedding
  • Hygiene products (shampoo, soap, etc.)
  • Gift wrap and bags

If you need guidance on specific items to buy you can reference or shop through our Amazon Wishlist.

These donations go beyond material possessions—they provide tangible relief to low-income families working hard to meet basic needs. Research shows that children who feel supported and celebrated are more likely to thrive socially and academically. When kids receive the hottest new game or trendy new clothing, they feel a sense of belonging and value. When parents are able to provide warm clothing, bedding, and other essentials without financial strain, their children’s emotional and physical well-being is directly improved.

This initiative helps families create memories around the holidays rooted in joy instead of scarcity.

*Content included in this post was accurate on the date it was published. All information and pricing are subject to change without notice.*