Greetings!

In the last days of 2019, one last reminder that if all of our supporters like you made a gift of just $75 or more, we could easily surpass our goal of $50,000.

Just one example: more than 800 children and young people find new pathways to learning and growth through East Side’s programs every year. We believe that in a healthy community, all children and young people should be encouraged to foster curiosity and autonomy through excellent educational opportunities.

You helped us make that a reality in 2019.

We built a new nature-focused play yard for our childcare center that focuses on engaging kids with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) skills that will prepare them for our changing workforce.

We created a new team challenge course at Camp Bovey that challenges young people to work together and form healthy relationships.

Twelve students graduated from Menlo Park Academy, with multiple students receiving scholarships for college or technical education to build their careers.

And we sent hundreds of children to school with new backpacks and school supplies that ensure they are ready to thrive at school.

Remember, your support affects real people’s lives. Take these brave canoers from Camp Bovey, for example:

The water in Lake Metzger was the highest it’s been in over 30 years, so that a low-lying area across the lake water was circled by water creating a small island. A camper in the first canoe to visit the island said:

“I didn’t give up [in the canoe] even when I wanted to. I learned I could do it and it helped other people in my canoe when we worked together.”

We can’t do any of this without you. Together we can ensure that every child thrives and learns to work together.

Please consider giving this winter to support youth, so that more young people can feel brave.

If your year-end gift and this email have crossed, please accept our gratitude for your commitment to making a difference in our community.