YMCA Kids Raise Money for Their Community at the Coins For A Cause Carnival

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FLEMINGTON, NJ — As part of the spring recess program, River Crossing YMCA hosted over 100 students April 9 for their “Coins for a Cause” Carnival Day at the Deer Path branch on West Woodschurch Rd. in Flemington.

Elementary schoolers from throughout the Y’s 22 Hunterdon County school age child care sites gathered for a day of carnival games, playground activities and pool time, all in the spirit of giving. With spare change collected from home, children bought chances at games like Plinko, (not real) axe-throwing, giant inflatable bowling and velcro darts. Their efforts were awarded with tickets that could be redeemed for prizes as they went along. Game fees ranged from free-50 cents, and all coins collected go to support the Y’s financial assistance program, which the children know goes to help other kids just like them attend Y care programs.

“The coins go to the Y to help kids come to camp,” shared Sophia, a fourth grader at East Amwell Twp. school. “Also the food pantry, and presents at Christmas time.” Sophia referred to the Y’s free produce program, which disperses nutritious food to families every Saturday at the Flemington Baptist Church, as well as the Y’s holiday gift card program, which provides YMCA families on financial assistance with donated gift cards to help purchase holiday gifts and meals.

This year the Coins For A Cause Carnival raised over $400 to help children and families.

In Hunterdon County, River Crossing YMCA serves more than 1,300 students in 22 schools within 13 school districts. These satellite sites extend the Y’s mission into neighborhoods across the county, removing barriers and providing trusted, consistent before and after-school support where families need it most. Through group games, team sports and collaborative projects, children learn cooperation and respect. Homework time reinforces responsibility. Creative arts and STEAM activities build confidence and encourage new ideas.

“An important part of what we do in our programs, along with supporting the students in their own learning, is instilling YMCA community values of caring for others,” explained Wendy Crocetti, Sr. Dir. of school age child care for the Hunterdon County region of River Crossing YMCA. “Talking about how we care for each other, then inviting them to collect their own coins from home to contribute as part of the carnival both engages and empowers these kids in being part of what makes the Y so special.”

River Crossing YMCA is currently enrolling for the 2026-2027 school age (before and after school) child care program. Please visit www.ymcarivercrossing.org/before-after-school-child-care/hunterdon to learn more about locations, schedules and pricing.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its 11 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.

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