Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Day of Giving is March 7

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is hosting its first-ever Day of Giving on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The YMCA Day of Giving is a national, one-day giving event that provides an opportunity for community members to give to their local YMCA. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y will be holding special activities throughout the day to celebrate our community and the power of giving back. Community members of all ages are invited to the Y on Tuesday, March 7, to participate in a variety of fun activities that include an indoor triathlon, children’s art show and bake sale, Pickleball tournament, plank and pull-up challenge, and special fitness classes.

To join the activities, participants are asked to make a suggested donation to the Y’s Annual Campaign, which supports the Y’s financial assistance program and goes right back into the community. The Y’s financial assistance program gives local children, individuals and families in need the opportunity to participate in life-changing programs such as swim lessons, child care and summer camp, youth sports, 7th Grade membership, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, and chronic disease programs.

“Our community always steps up when there is a need and we are hopeful for a big response for our first-ever Day of Giving event,” said Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA CEO, Kim Decker. “Any donation, no matter how large or small, has an immediate impact on the people in our community who are able to participate in the Y’s programs and services through financial assistance,” Decker said.

Donations help individuals like Lisa, whose 8-year-old son is in the Y’s after school program. As a single mother raising her son in Scotch Plains, the scholarship allows her to keep her son in the after school program and work more hours to support her family.

“Because of the financial assistance program, my family doesn’t have to worry about how we are going to pay for the program and work. My son, who has autism spectrum disorder, also loves the program and is doing great,” Lisa said. “I’m always afraid that the world isn’t going to understand or accept him, but all the counselors and kids accept him for who he is. He has really come out of his shell.”

In addition to activities at the Y, local restaurants and businesses are generously participating in a Community Dine Around on March 7. A portion of the day’s sales from these community partners will support our YMCA. More details and a list of participating businesses can be found here.

For more information about how to participate in Day of Giving activities, a schedule of events, and ways to donate, please visit the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA website.

Online donations can also be made through a secure Day of Giving donation page.

For more information on the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, visit the Y’s website, fspymca.org.

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About the YMCA Day of Giving

YMCA Day of Giving was started in 2015 by the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina and launched by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas in 2018. In 2022, 68 YMCAs took part in the national one-day giving event. Since inception in 2015, YMCA Day of Giving has enabled the Y to raise almost $3 MILLION in charitable gifts that support local communities throughout the country.

About the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is 501(c) 3 organization with a GuideStar 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency and a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.