This holiday season, the Young Men’s Service League Fort Mill (YMSL-FM) is partnering with Tender Hearts Ministries to spread Christmas cheer to hundreds of children across York and Chester Counties. As part of its annual Ultimate Gift initiative, YMSL-FM members will dedicate more than 350 hours of volunteer service to support Tender Hearts’ growing Christmas Toy Outreach program — a beloved tradition that has been part of the ministry since it opened in 2004.
Serving 125 children just five years ago, the Christmas Toy Outreach program has expanded, serving almost 800 local children last year. The program provides each child with two toys, stocking stuffers, and usually a new piece of clothing — gifts that range from baby bottles to Barbies and bicycles.
YMSL-FM’s 176 high school-aged young men and their mothers will play a hands-on role in the process: sorting and organizing thousands of donated toys by age and gender, setting up the “shopping” experience for parents, assisting families as they choose gifts for their children, and helping with clean-up once the event concludes. The shopping days, when parents select presents for their kids, will take place on December 16 and 17 at Tender Hearts’ headquarters in York.
“This is what the holidays are truly about — community, compassion, and connection,” said Pam Masek, President of YMSL Fort Mill. “We’re honored to support Tender Hearts in making sure every child wakes up on Christmas morning with a reason to smile. For our young men, this is more than just a service project; it’s an experience that teaches them what it means to lead with heart.”
For Tender Hearts Ministries, which provides shelter, food, and essential resources for families in need year-round, the Christmas Toy Outreach program is a meaningful mission.
“Every gift represents hope and dignity for a parent who just wants to make Christmas special for their child,” said Ainslee Moss, Founder of Tender Hearts Ministries. “Seeing YMSL Fort Mill rally around this program with such joy and energy reminds us what community truly means. Together, we’re turning compassion into action.”
Tender Hearts is also inviting the broader community to take part. Toy donations can be made through Giving Trees located in several local businesses or dropped off directly at Tender Hearts’ headquarters in York. The organization is still in need of volunteers to help during the December 16–17 Toy Outreach event, and parents in need are welcome to come shop for their children on those same days.
The Ultimate Gift is YMSL-FM’s annual, multi-day service project focused on making a significant impact for one local nonprofit partner. This year’s partnership with Tender Hearts exemplifies that mission — combining hands-on service with heartfelt purpose to strengthen families and bring light to the holiday season.
About Young Men’s Service League
The Young Men’s Service League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit national organization. Members of YMSL are moms and their teenage sons who volunteer together to serve their local communities during his four years of high school. YMSL currently represents 32,000 moms and young men in nearly 200 chapters across 22 states. YMSL offers moms service opportunities and time together with her son(s) to grow their relationship and to instill in him a heart of service to last a lifetime. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. In addition to service, as part of its four-year comprehensive program, YMSL teaches leadership and life skills to help develop our young men into capable, confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow. www.YMSL.org
About Tender Hearts Ministries
Tender Hearts Ministries is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Christian organization based in the City of York, South Carolina. For more than 21 years, we have served families, women and their children, and men experiencing homelessness in our community, transforming lives for God’s glory. Our operations are managed by a combination of paid staff and dedicated volunteers. As God leads, we partner with churches, individuals, businesses, and organizations to maximize our reach.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information on YMSL-FM
Contact: Ashley Sweren
Title, Company: Vice President of Communications
Phone: 408-807-9468
Email: [email protected]
For more information on Tender Hearts Ministries
Contact: Paje Surratt
Title, Company: Public Relations Coordinator
Phone: 803-627-2223
Email: [email protected]
For more information on YMSL Ultimate Gift
Contact: Amy McDaniel
Title, Company: National VP Ultimate Gift, YMSL
Phone: 214-394-2081
Email: [email protected]
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