For more than 160 years, the letters Y-M-C-A have stood for family values, youth development, healthy living and impacted many lives. Communities from one end of this country to the other are better for having a YMCA in their midst. People have always been the primary beneficiaries and during these changing times, it is important that one constant has always been the YMCA.
Many of us know families who have been touched by the kindness of the YMCA and the kindness of those who support it. The yearly Richmond Hill YMCA fundraising campaign is underway and, honestly, needs your help to meet its ongoing mission of helping families.
And people are stepping up. Friends and neighbors like:
* William Gaines at Coldwell Banker
* Flyers Taekwondo in RH
* Palmer Chiropractic
* Jalapenos Mexican Grill
* New Covenant Presbyterian Church
* Dental Wellness Center
* Exper Care Urgent Care
They recognize that meaningful programs require financial assistance to work. None of these and other benefactors are necessarily wealthy. They are just willing to make an investment in our community and the people in it. The generous gifts they've given are important, regardless of the amount.
Some gifts have been smaller, others larger. Every amount helps and no donation is too small.
From athletics to advocacy, dance classes to disease prevention and from volunteerism to volleyball are just a few of the programs that are benefactors of your local generosity.
Youth development is a particularly rewarding program for your dollars. Seeing a child smile, or realize that they can make a difference in this world will bring a smile to your face, as well.
Teaching a child or family healthy living strategies that can last them a lifetime can make our community a stronger a better place to live for years to come.
In an ever-changing world, social responsibility and commitment to a better community are more important than ever. The YMCA is making a difference in this area through teaching people to work together, regardless of differences, and to adhere to Christian principles.
These are just a few of the important programs the YMCA is dedicated to. Through a team of YMCA professionals, lives are changing every day for the better.
But, as with all things, there is a cost involved in making a child's or families circumstances better. The cost need not be excessive. Some donations from families or businesses have not been large. Others, of course, have been.
The important thing to remember is that no donation is too little and every donation is important. Small donations add up to make larger donations, and so on.
Will you help? It's easy to be part of a movement that is helping shape the lives of young people and families in Richmond Hill and the Coastal Empire.
Call Mary Arocha or any YMCA team member at 756-5856 to find out how your gift can make a difference in the life of someone in our community.