During the 2020 Holiday season, Joy and Justice was brought to our community in honor of Yvonne McDonald. Our second Joy and Justice Stocking, Book, and Gift Giveaway is coming up and we need your help to make it happen!
We will also be accepting physical donations of new unwrapped stocking stuffers, toys, and books. If you have any questions please email j4ymolympia@gmail.com or call 360-505-5422.
This year distribution will happen from 3:00-6:00 PM on December 17-18, 2022 at Evergreen Vista Community Center, 1209 Fern St. SW, Olympia, WA 98502.
“What inspired me to do the Joy and Justice book and gift give away was my aunt’s love for literacy. As far back as I can remember Yvonne gave books as gifts instead of toys for Christmas and birthdays. She instilled in me the importance of reading and education. I wanted to make sure the community got to know something special about Yvonne. Her death was tragic and the media ran with the police narrative and painted a not so pleasant picture of Yvonne essentially criminalizing her and blaming her for her own death. Additionally, I wanted to share her story and bring joy to the community. I believe we succeeded.
For the first annual giveaway we were able to bless 168 children and their parents with multiple books and gifts each. This effort was made possible by the generous supporters of J4YM through cash and gift donations and several businesses and organizations like Captain Little, Gabi’s Olympic Cards and comic, the Waldorf academy, Gotti’s Sweets, Heads Up Wigs and Accessories, The Moore Wright Group, YWCA of Olympia, WaCAN, Olympia Surj and the Olympia Black Panthers.”
-Talauna Reed
Justice for Yvonne McDonald 