TechGYRLS Christmas Shopping Project: Adopt a TechGYRL

The holiday season is a time for celebration and thanksgiving. A time for giving. And also a time for learning! Each year, YWCA NETN and SWVA’s TechGYRLS program takes the opportunity to combine Christmas with education through their Christmas Shopping Project. Under the guidance of a YWCA staff mentor, students make lists and budgets and then comparison shop online before making purchases just for themselves. The activity also serves as an end-of-the-year reward for the girls’ hard work and committed participation to the TechGYRLS program.

While the main goal of TechGYRLS is to increase educational opportunities through math, science, and technology, YWCA understands there are many aspects involved in developing well-rounded, socially adjusted girls. The TechGYRLS Christmas Shopping Project is a day full of fun and excitement, but it also provides an opportunity for important life lessons. Key objectives include:

• Teaching the girls how to budget, research, and set priorities
• Assisting the girls in buying appropriate winter clothes and shoes
• Helping the girls to purchase appropriate gender-specific hygiene products they might not have access to
• Providing each girl one-on-one attention from a caring adult mentor.
• Increasing each girl’s self-worth

We are all aware of the multifaceted impact of economic disparity on young girls in our region, including the effects on academic achievement. We invite you to join us in serving YWCA TechGYRLS through this Christmas Shopping Project. Your donation of $50 will not only provide funding for a lesson in important life skills but will also give these girls an opportunity to experience the joy of the holiday season. We—and our TechGYRLS—are grateful for your support!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call YWCA, Tonja Leonard at (423) 968-9444. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.