Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council Giving Tree helping those in need in Jonesboro

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 19, 2024 – The Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council (MYAC) is helping those less fortunate this holiday season with their new MYAC Giving Tree.

The students have already decorated the tree with items such as gloves, scarves, blankets, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, hairbrushes, wipes, feminine hygiene products and more for those in need.

According to MYAC Sponsor Shelly Anderson, this is the first time that the Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council has done this project.

“The MYAC Board was discussing ways that they could do an outreach project to benefit the community for the upcoming colder months,” she said. “At our Spring Fair every year, we host a ‘Giving Table’ with the same idea and concept in mind. I suggested to the students that they re-create that idea in the fall and the idea for the Giving Tree was born.”

MYAC President Roman Hart, a Jonesboro High School senior, said the Giving Tree was the MYAC’s response to the needs they saw in their community.

“This project is about more than just giving. It was about creating a community where everyone feels seen and supported,” he said. “Our goal for the giving tree was simply to ensure that every family feels the warmth of the holiday season through the generosity of their neighbors.”

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver noted the caring spirit that the MYAC Giving Tree provides the community.

“Jonesboro is such a wonderful and caring community and it’s important that we remember those who may be struggling during what should be a happy and joyful time of year,” Copenhaver said. “I am proud of the youth council, a group of extremely caring and good-hearted students, for doing their part in helping make sure every child has a blessed Christmas season.”

Anderson added that they need more donations. Donations may be dropped off at the Jonesboro Municipal Center.

Alternatively, people can contact MYACJonesboro@gmail.com to schedule a pickup or donate to the MYAC Cash App at $MYACJonesboro and MYAC will do the shopping for you.

The Giving Tree is located at the corner of Church and Creath Streets and will remain up until Dec. 29, or until supplies run out.

“I am always impressed with these students and their genuine care for others. The students always think of others and the diversity we have within our community. If they see a way to better help those that may need it, they just jump right in without hesitation,” Anderson said.