HEMSI gives gifts to children at YMCA

A HEMSI employee kneels to give a Christmas gift to a child as Santa Claus looks on at the YMCA Downtown Early Childhood Education Center in Huntsville. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – In addition to responding to medical emergencies, HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc.) employees responded to the needs of children at Christmastime with gifts.

HEMSI workers delivered toys to the YMCA Downtown Early Childhood Education Center in Huntsville on Dec. 16. The education center’s address is 2000-A Vernon Drive.

“When HEMSI visits this neighborhood during the year, it is because someone is seriously ill or there has been an unfortunate emergency. When the first responders visited on Dec. 16, it was to show these children that they are friendly, approachable and have their best interests at heart,” Mary Anne Swanstrom said.

Swanstrom works as Director of Communications for Heart of the Valley YMCA.

“We at the YMCA truly appreciate Chief Don Webster and his staff for making this possible for our little ones,” Swanstrom said. “This school serves one of the lowest income communities in Huntsville, and it is significant that HEMSI has chosen to support it.”

Each child — 100 percent of students who attend — the YMCA Downtown Early Childhood Education Center receive financial assistance to enroll. With their children enrolled at the YMCA school, parents can go to work or complete their education.

“Many do not know that the YMCA is a philanthropic nonprofit organization,” Swanstrom said.

Heart of the Valley YMCA has locations in southeast and downtown Huntsville and Hogan Family YMCA in Madison, early childhood education centers at Northeast, Southeast and Downtown YMCA sites in Huntsville; and Camp Cha-la-Kee.

Heart of the Valley YMCA’s corporate office address is 120 Holmes Ave., Suite 405 in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-428-9622, ext. 3008 or visit ymcahuntsville.org.