YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties Joins the National #GivingTuesday Movement to Encourage Spending With A Purpose

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, a cause-driven non-profit charitable organization, has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that calls upon the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become a charitable movement powered by social media called #GivingTuesday. Taking place on December 2, #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their communities by giving back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support to help create a better world.

The Y’s #GivingTuesday efforts will support YMCA REACH, which provides youth facing economic, social and developmental barriers with job coaching, basic skills tutoring and personal and group mentoring sessions to encourage positive growth.

Through involvement with YMCA REACH life coaches and volunteer mentors, youth have access to positive role models, in a safe and secure environment and resources and tools that may not otherwise be accessible to them. Students are able to learn, work and grow with the YMCA staff and facilities at their fingertips.

“During the holiday season we give to friends, family and loved ones. This year, we’re asking people to also give back to the community and make a profound difference in their neighbors’ lives,” said Tim Kerrihard, president and CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “We encourage all members of the community to give on this special day – whether they choose to lend financial support, purchase supplies or volunteer their time. Everyone can give something that will make a significant impact on YMCA REACH students and strengthen the community as a whole.”

There are three main ways to support YMCA REACH for #GivingTuesday:

· Donate funding: Make a financial donations online or at YMCA Welcome Centers

· Donate supplies: Purchase items for REACH students from their Amazon Wish List to help them prepare for school and their careers

· Donate time: Community members can volunteer to share their professional advice and experiences with REACH students

The community can also support the Y on social media (@ymcabcc) and like, share and retweet their posts. Those interested in joining the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ #GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.ymca-bc.org for more information or stop by YMCA Welcome Centers, located at 59 Centerton Road in Mt. Laurel and 302 Commerce Square Blvd. in Burlington.

To learn more about the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ #GivingTuesday campaign, visit www.ymca-bc.org.

About #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. It will culminate with a global day of giving on December 2, 2014. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners— charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a global moment that is dedicated to giving around the world.

About the Y
The YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable nonprofit organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 50+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.