The Y supports local troops

The YMCA of Gloucester County helps the families of military personnel maintain their health and well-being while their loved ones serve overseas

[Woodbury, NJ, 11/10/2014] – November is Military Family Month, providing Americans the opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and service of military personnel and their families. The YMCA of Gloucester County supports military families this November and all year round though programs and initiatives that improve their well-being and provide opportunities to connect with other families waiting at home.

Here in Gloucester County the Y supports military families by offering Y memberships through the Military Outreach Initiative and by holding a care package drive for local troops. The care package drive took place the whole month of October at the Y. Items included: toiletries, sun screen, flash lights, bug repellant and much more. Care packages were then packed by Y staff, kids in our child care programs and members & community volunteers and were shipped out to local troops currently serving in Qatar.

“Military families have many needs when a loved one is away from home,” said Tish Davis, Senior Program Director, YMCA of Gloucester County. “Whether it’s providing a place where kids can make friends and have a sense of belonging or by coming together as a community and supporting those who serve our country, the Y has a number of options to help here in Gloucester County.”

First established by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and recognized by first lady Nancy Reagan in 1993, Military Family Month recognizes the dedication and service of military personnel and their families. On Oct. 30, 2009, President Barack Obama continued this important initiative by proclaiming November as Military Family Month, calling on “all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.”

To learn more about the Y and programming that supports military families, contact Tish Davis (TDavis@ymcagloco.org) or Kelly Peoples (KellyP@ymcagloco.org).

###About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net