To the Journal editor:
As a volunteer for the YMCA of Marquette County, I witness the incredible work the Y does every day. The YMCA is here day in and day out providing a community asset addressing our most pressing social issues, from childhood obesity and quality early childhood programing, to LIVESTRONG for Cancer Survivors. We do this because it is our mission while strengthening the community is our cause.
Volunteers, members, community leaders, and staff are joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Each year, right here in Marquette County, the Y serves more than 8,200 of our neighbors, helping them grow strong in spirit, mind and body.
At the Y, kids learn their ABC's, experience sharing, learn about sportsmanship and, most importantly, learn how to be themselves. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
The Y believes that every child and family should be able to participate in Y programs and Y membership, regardless of their family's financial situation. Through the YMCA Strong Kids Community Benefit Campaign, our local Y is making sure that anyone who needs it has access to our life-changing programs.
This financial assistance provides subsidies for YMCA membership as well as programs such as summer camp, swim lessons, youth sports, teen mentoring and more. The Y is able to provide this assistance through generous, tax-deductible donations to the YMCA Strong Kids - Community Benefit Campaign. This is made possible because of the generosity of our members and local community partners who, together, support the Y as an 'open door' to whoever needs a place to go to help them become more healthy, confident, connected and secure.
Currently, the YMCA is in the beginning of its' 2012 Strong Kids Campaign, and I urge all of our neighbors to support this important cause. Our community is strengthened by the nurturing environment the YMCA provides for all people.
Now, more than ever, we need to join together to strengthen our community by providing opportunities for all of our neighbors to grow and thrive. Please join me in supporting the Y. When you give to the Y, you will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.
Visit www.ymcamqt.org or www.ymcastrongkids.org.