Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) of Coppell has been recognized by two philanthropies recently for their contributions and service. In November, RISE Adaptive Sports awarded YMSL Coppell with the Volunteer Group of the Year award. Earlier this month, Assistance League of Coppell awarded YMSL Coppell with the National Operation School Bell award. “To be honored for our service by these two great organizations was so special for us. We are so happy to be able to serve both RISE and the Assistance League”, said Heidi Gough, Vice President for YMSL Coppell.
The award for RISE was presented in November at the RISE annual awards dinner for participation in multiple RISE events and activities throughout 2016. These include water sports, wheel chair rugby, wheelchair motor cross, and special events like beginning and end of season picnics. Paul Gray, director of RISE, said, “YMSL Coppell has stepped up to the plate big time in 2016. YMSL Southlake has won the Volunteer Group of the Year seven years in a row; but this year you guys brought the army to more events and programs than anyone has ever done in our history.”
YMSL Coppell has partnered with the Assistance League for the last three years. Each year, they have donated over $1000 worth of new school clothes to support Operation School Bell. The National Operation School Bell award is given to honor those who, through significant financial or spiritual commitment, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell in a chapter’s community. Lynne Garris, President of Assistance League of Coppell and Lindsay Bruns who administers the Operation School Bell program presented the award at the April YMSL Coppell meeting. Garris said, “YMSL has been an invaluable community partner to Assistance League of Coppell for the last three years. Each year they have donated over $1000 worth of new school clothing to support Operation School Bell. These donations have helped tremendously with our inventory levels as well as our Operation School Bell budget. Together we have clothed over 400 children. In collecting these donations, YMSL members have selflessly given over 100 hours of their time to our organization.” YMSL Coppell President, Alicia McGurk commented on what this award means to them. She said, “Coppell YMSL was thrilled to receive the National Operation School Bell award this year from the national Assistance league and the Coppell Assistance League that nominated us for the award. It warms my heart to know that we are making a difference in our own community! That is what YMSL is all about, helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”
RISE Adaptive Sports mission is to assist persons with physical challenges to Recover, Inspire, Succeed and Empower themselves and others by providing inclusive adaptive recreational sports programs. For more information on RISE, visit www.riseadaptivesports.org.
Assistance League of Coppell is a chapter of National Assistance League, which has 23,000 members in 120 chapters throughout the United States. Operation School Bell is our signature program and provides clothing for students in need. For more information, visit www.coppell.assistanceleague.org.
YMSL is a non-profit organization that initiates and encourages young men and their mothers to pursue philanthropic involvement in their community and provides an opportunity to enhance mother/son relationships. For more information on YMSL, go to www.ymslnational.org.