The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility.
Our Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA in Souhtbridge, MA held a Food Drive to support local Food Pantries. This special drive-through event was held on May 14th from 9 am – 1 pm. Staff and volunteers were able to collect food directly from donor’s vehicles.
The food drive was a huge success and the amount of food collected matched the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Thank you for all of you support!
One of the most recognized smiling faces at the Boroughs Family Branch is Christine Salovardos, LIVESTRONG® at the Y Coordinator. Ask any participant of this signature initiative and they will tell you that she has been their lifeline through and after their cancer treatment; their participation in the program is really the icing on the cake.
Christine has gotten to know each and every one of our cancer survivors at the branch. From the time she sat with them for their initial assessment, to the post-graduation classes and activities she facilitates, people are clear to say that Christine has been instrumental in their journeys.
So when she saw a message on Facebook that a LIVESTRONG® at the Y graduate was experiencing challenges getting food delivered, Christine immediately jumped into action. “When I saw Ellen’s post, I knew she was experiencing difficulties getting around and with a compromised immune system, the last place I wanted to see her was in a grocery store. I simply sent her a message and offered to do some quick shopping,” says Christine.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand. Christine is so closely connected with so many members at the branch – particularly the LIVESTRONG® at the Y participants – that it was not even a second thought to assist Ellen and make things a little easier. Christine, like many others, are anxious to return to the Y. “I cannot wait for the branch to reopen,” she says. “I just may cry when I see everyone – and it cannot come soon enough.” Until then, Christine wants to remind all of her “friends” to keep on moving!
Check out our live stream schedule to connect with Christine for a real-time workout online with Zoom!
As your YMCA continues to provide critical services to the community, we are grateful for those who join us and support our important efforts – like the Worcester Together Fund, a partnership of Greater Worcester Community Foundation and United Way of Central Massachusetts, in cooperation with the City of Worcester. The Y just received a $25,000 grant for our Emergency Child Care Program. We’re all in this together – thankfully. ❤️
Our YMCA President and CEO, David Connell, was a featured guest on a recent “The Working Lunch from Home” special edition hosted by MassHire.
Watch the video below to hear David Connell and our friends at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club talk about the community and our Y’s response to the pandemic including; Emergency Childcare Services, connecting with members, anti-hunger programs, and the overall community impact.
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow–whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. ❤️
We all know that Y volunteers are invaluable.
They’re strong. They’re resilient. They’ve got your back.
Y volunteers are making well-check calls, donating to the Y’s COVID-19 appeal, surprising our Emergency Child Care staff with lunch, leading small walking groups (socially distant of course) and so much more.
We’re working hard to support our community with free emergency child care, food preparation and distribution, well-check calls to our members and virtual exercise programs.
Together, we’re unstoppable.
Today, on this national day of giving, we invite you to be part of this incredible team and make a gift if you can. Thank you!
Learn more about #GivingTuesdayNow
Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?
We’re wondering and waiting too.
THANK YOU for supporting your YMCA.
We asked you to #StayWithUs; and you did.
And we appreciate it.
But we’re still hard at work and need your help to offer:
Emergency Childcare, Feeding Programs, Supporting Vulnerable Families.
This work is difficult and we are grateful for your support.
As we approach May 1st, here’s our commitment to you: anyone who stays with us during these unprecedented times will receive 50% off their membership for the first two months when the Y reopens.
We hope you see the value in our important community efforts; please indicate your choice here or email [email protected].
Be well,
David Connell
President and CEO
