The Milledgeville Youth Challenge Academy demonstrated the holiday spirit Tuesday, Dec. 20 by presenting gifts to two charitable organizations that support local families in need.

In coordination with the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, the YCA collected much needed food, clothing and toys for two local Milledgeville families just before the holiday season. The opportunity to assist others during this time of year allows the YCA family to consider how fortunate they are and to give a hopeful feeling during this joyous holiday season.

YCA cadets gathered the items and delivered them to the Milledgeville Salvation Army Distribution Center on Hancock Street, where the staff received them with great smiles and appreciation for what joy thee items will bring to a local family.

“I’m impressed with how the YCA folks were able to gather so much for our family,” Executive Director for Milledgeville Habitat for Humanity, Murali Thirumal said.

Milledgeville Youth Challenge Academy provides a second chance for teens, 16 to 18 years of age, who need to refocus themselves in both their school work and their personal development. YCA is a 22-week residential program formed around a “quasi-military” environment to provide a structured atmosphere for the cadets to engage in academic pursuits so they can potentially earn their high school diploma, a GED, or earn academic credit so they can return to their high school prepared for academic success.

To find out more about the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, go to www.georgiayouthchallenge.org. or call the Milledgeville campus at 478-445-0100.