WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. - TelAve -- This holiday season, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is inviting the community to make a difference for local families. Now through December 4, the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA will collect food and toys to support families in the YMCA's Find My Genius program.

Find My Genius is a no-cost YMCA program providing academic support and enrichment opportunities for children from low- to moderate-income families. The holiday drive extends that support beyond the classroom, helping ease financial pressures during the holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) seven days a week during regular branch hours.

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A list of requested food items is available at https://sevymca.org/events/holiday-food-toy-drive.

"We encourage donors to place all the requested food items together in one box or bag," says Brie Crisp, YMCA marketing and communications director. "This helps us distribute donations more efficiently to families."

The YMCA is also collecting new, unwrapped toys, including craft kits, building sets, sports equipment, books and STEM-focused toys for elementary, middle and high school students.

"For families facing financial challenges, the holidays can be especially difficult," says Crisp. "A donated meal or toy may seem like a small gesture, but together, these acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference for our neighbors."

For more information, visit https://www.sevymca.org/events/toy-drive.