The Malley Recreation Center, in partnership with the Integrated Family Community Services (IFCS), is bringing holiday cheer to older adults with the Malley Giving Tree initiative. An opportunity for community members to embody the holiday spirit of giving, the program allows people to pick an ornament from the tree, which details a specific request from a local senior in need. These requests are now available for selection in the recreation center's lobby, as reported by the City of Englewood.
Participants in the Malley Giving Tree are asked to return their wrapped gifts to Malley Recreation Center staff by December 5, ensuring that the presents are new items only please. This simple, yet profound act of kindness is not just about the gift itself, but the message it sends to the elders in our community, that they are not forgotten, especially during a season that can sometimes heighten feelings of isolation.
In line with the festive ethos, this program is one of the ways IFCS fosters a sense of inclusivity and support for those who often go unseen. The Malley Recreation Center works throughout the year to provide a welcoming space for various recreational activities, but the Malley Giving Tree project goes beyond everyday engagement; it's a bridge connecting the compassion of the Englewood community with the hearts of its seniors.
