Donate to the Y this Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, and donating to Countryside YMCA is one way to make a positive impact in Warren County. As a non-profit, Countryside YMCA uses donations to fund outreach programs. In today's blog learn about what outreach programs Countryside YMCA offers.

What is Giving Tuesday?

GivingTuesday is a global day of giving to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Countryside YMCA has joined the GivingTuesday movement in order to help elevate awareness about how the YMCA helps youth, adults, families, and seniors throughout Warren County. As a 503(c) non-profit organization, Countryside YMCA counts on private and corporate donations to fund outreach and financial assistance to help make the Y accessible for all.

The mission of Countryside YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that help build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. According to CEO Chris Johnson, "We bring that mission to life by identifying the needs of the community and then finding ways we can meet those needs. The money given to our Annual Campaign through individual donations and corporate partnerships is used to provide outreach programs for our community."

How does Countryside YMCA use financial donations to improve lives our community?

The Y recognizes that hardships in life like unexpected job loss can prevent youth, families and seniors from a membership at the Y. That's why the Y offers membership financial assistance to those who qualify. Thanks to donor funding, over 2,000 memberships in 2018 received financial assistance.

The Y also provides financial assistance for summer camp in situations where parents or caregivers can't afford it. Twelve campers last summer were able to play, swim and make friends during one week of unforgettable summer camp thanks to private and corporate donations made to the YMCA Annual Fund.

In addition to financial assistance for memberships and programs, the YMCA also provides programs at no cost to participants who qualify. For example, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a program for cancer survivors, and through donations the Y was able to train staff and offer this program free to all cancer survivors. In 2018, 32 cancer survivors graduated from the program.

Another program offered by the Y through private and corporate donations is the Begin to Swim program. Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. To fight that statistic, the Y started a program to provide free swim lessons to fourth grade students in two school districts as well as preschoolers enrolled in The Children's Center (a YMCA owned childcare center).

A lot of people think of the Y in terms of fitness and swimming. But that's only part of the Y's work in the community. "It's my hope that through an awareness of all the Y does, people will be inspired to give back to the community by supporting our Annual Campaign this Giving Tuesday," said Johnson.

All donations to Countryside YMCA are used to make a positive difference

• $250 will help 10 children learn potentially life-saving swimming skills
• $200 can help cancer survivors reclaim total health
• $150 will help a child learn new skills and gain confidence at summer day camp
• $100 a month will help provide safe, educational, and values-based childcare for children in need
• $75 helps youth learn sportsmanship and teamwork through participation in YMCA sports
• $50 a month helps a senior couple stay connected and active in our Stolle Center
• $25 a month will allow a family with a special needs child enjoy our Blessed Respite program or adaptive swim lessons

Contact Countryside YMCA for More Information

Visit Countryside YMCA's GivingTuesday initiative online, or follow CountrysideYMCA on Facebook.