YMCA kicks off annual fundraising campaign

YMCA kicks off annual fundraising campaign

Donations integral in keeping community active

The Charles City Family YMCA is just as its name implies: focused on the families in and around the Charles City community. Over the past year 2,977 members and 1,016 non-members participated in a YMCA program. This level of community involvement at the YMCA is thanks to donations.

Participation numbers are able to reach nearly 4,000 because the YMCA works to allow anyone who wants to be a member to participate regardless of their ability to pay. This is possible thanks to the annual sustaining campaign (ANSU).

Last year the ANSU campaign raised $30,947, their goal this year is $35,000.

“Funds go into the general budget, that funds most of the scholarships we give out and general improvement,” Executive Board President Ellen Brewer said.

However, should a donor choose they can delegate how their contribution is used. For instance, $50 will support a child to participate in one session of swimming lessons and $500 will provide youth sports programs for 25 children. Donations allow for a variety of programs to exist as well as makes it possible for families and individuals to participate.

“We don’t make enough money,” Brewer said. “We have to rely on donations.”

This year, the YMCA has received requests from 115 families for membership assistance. This amounts to $23,303. In order to sustain these requests and keep specialty programs available, the YMCA must ask for community members’ generosity.

The campaign begins every year in November and continues through to the end of the year. Donations can be sent to 800 Hulin St. Charles City.

By Amie Johansen amie@charlescitypress.com