This holiday season, the Demakes Family YMCA was proud to once again host our annual Holiday Toy Festival, a community-wide effort that brought warmth, joy, and relief to hundreds of local families. At a time when the holidays can create added financial stress, the Toy Festival ensured families in Lynn could experience the season with dignity, choice, and celebration.
The heart of the event was our Toy Shop, where parents were invited to personally select free toys and holiday essentials for their children. This experience goes beyond gift-giving — it honors the dignity of every parent and preserves the joy of giving during the holidays. Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, shelves were filled and smiles were abundant throughout the day.
Many of the families served through the Toy Festival are connected to our Y Academy, afterschool, and Teen Center programs, where the YMCA provides ongoing financial assistance and support. Events like this reflect the Y’s year-round commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong.
“This event is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with care and purpose,” said Kathleen Walsh, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “The Toy Festival is about more than gifts — it’s about reminding families that they are supported and that they belong here.”
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this tradition possible — from donors and volunteers to community partners who stepped up during the holiday season. Together, we helped create moments of comfort, pride, and joy that will be felt long after the holidays have passed. With special thanks to Andrew Demakes, Jon Hyde, and Alex Wayman.