Local Events April 15, 2023

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.

What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Westfield Area YMCA – Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)

Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023

Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any gently used clothing, accessories, linens, or other household goods. Then, bag or box them up and bring them to the Westfield Area Y’s clothing drive. All items must be clean and in usable condition.

Items Accepted

  • Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
  • Accessories (belts, ties, handbags)
  • Shoes (must bag these separately from other items)
  • Linens (comforters, blankets, sheets, towels)
  • Curtains
  • Toys (stuffed animals, small children’s toys)
  • Strollers
  • Bicycles and scooters

Items collected will be distributed to A & E Clothing Corp for the Strong Kids+ support program. A & E Clothing collects used clothing and other items all over the country. In turn, they sell these items back to the public in bulk in the US and around the world. The sales of these items help create jobs for people in our local communities as well as keep these items out of our landfills. Plus, it allows shoppers to receive quality used items at a huge discount.

They say charity begins at home. Well, start from your home. Box or bag the clothing, accessories, and other items that you no longer use. Then, bring them to the Westfield Area YMCA’s Clothing Drive on April 20th. Clean your house. Help the less fortunate. Create a cleaner world for your family to thrive in.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

 

Local Events November 18, 2022

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022

First, sit down for a huge Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones. Then, tackle those Black Friday sales. But on Saturday, make plans to visit the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot to get started on your Christmas decorations.

  • What: Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022
  • Where: Field Across from Stop & Shop on Elm St
  • When: 9 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun, 5 pm to 9 pm Mon through Fri starting November 26th (while supplies last)

Christmas Tree Lot - Scott Gleason

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022

For more than 70 years now, the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club has hosted a Christmas Tree Lot for the community. And I am proud to say that I have been personally involved for many, many years now. In fact, the Christmas Tree Lot is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Every single penny raised from the sales gets donated to local charities and other non-profit organizations.

We offer the classic Douglas fir as well as the more fragrant Balsam firs. We even have the Fralsam fir which combines the best characteristics of a Fraser and a Balsam. In addition to trees, the Men’s Club sells beautiful wreaths and tree stands. But if you want to impress your friends and family with one of these beauties this year, you need to come to the Christmas Tree Lot early. We always sell out pretty quickly. See you there!

Volunteers Needed

 

Our tree shipment arrives from Pennsylvania and Canada on Friday, November 25th. We could really use some help unloading the trailers and setting up the lot so we can open up for business the next day. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please email me.

Westfield United by Light

Just a reminder. Westfield United by Light takes place on Sunday, November 27th. It may be too late to buy the Westfield United Fund’s candle kits. But, you can still show your support. All you need to do is create your own luminarias along your driveway and the sidewalk in front of your Westfield home. And, if you can spare a few dollars, please donate to the WUF online.

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

 

Local Events November 11, 2022

Westfield United by Light 2022

For most people, Thanksgiving means sitting down with your loved ones over a wonderful meal and sharing the blessings they received throughout the year. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Statistics show that one in five adults suffers from a mental illness. So, chances are good that you know of someone with a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness stated that 64% of people with mental health issues report that the stress of the holidays made them feel even worse. Instead of hiding these afflictions in the dark, we need to bring them out into the open. Westfield United by Light wants to provide a safe space for people to discuss their issues.

Westfield United by Light 2022

On Sunday, November 27th, the Westfield United Fund invites the public to join their United by Light event. They would love to see driveways and curbs outside of Westfield residences lit up with candles. The WUF sold special candle kits that included paper bags, candles, cups, and sand. At this time, though, they are all out of their kits. However, you can still participate by creating your own luminarias and setting them out on the 27th.

Money raised from those candle kit sales helps the WUF fund its crisis hotlines, grief support, and counseling programs. They also contribute to counseling programs provided by Jewish Family Services and our own YMCA. If you missed out on buying a candle kit, please consider donating to the WUF online here. Check with your employer to see if they offer matching donations as well.

If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness, please consider participating in Westfield United by Light 2022. Let’s de-stigmatize mental health issues by showing our support. Thank you.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes