Buzz Lightyear, Legos, and pink scooters lined the office as SoftArtisans and Riparian Data partnered with Youth Villages to bring gifts and the joy of the holidays to local Boston youth.

Youth Villages is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting low-income children and their families overcome barriers of emotional or behavioral struggles and achieve long-term success. As their motto propones, they are a “force for families,” using Evidentiary Family Restoration approaches to work with troubled children. Each year, they help over 18,000 children and families from more than 20 states.  Holiday Heroes is Youth Villages’ largest initiative of the year and provides gifts and winter essentials to the children and families in their programs, who are often unable to afford even the basic necessities, let alone gifts, during the holiday season.

This year, SoftArtisans and Riparian Data employees came together to support this cause through
a company shopping trip, sponsoring a dozen children with art supplies, toy cars, books, and even a Spiderman mask or two. As an employee of SoftArtisans, I am truly inspired by the kind and giving hearts of my fellow employees, and the eagerness in which they participated. It warmed my holiday and I hope it inspires you to volunteer this season and throughout the new year.

To find out more about Youth Villages and learn how you can help not only during the holiday season but throughout the year, please visit www.youthvillages.org. They are truly an inspiring organization staffed with selfless and passionate people, aiming to make a difference among Boston youth and their families.

May your holidays be filled with joy and maybe a Lego or two!

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