Wednesday, April 29, 2026
(5:00 – 7:00 PM)

Vue at Worcester Plaza
446 Main Street,
Worcester, MA 01608

RSVP to Carol Lucke at clucke@ymcaofcm.org

Do you have old documents piling up and want to dispose of them safely? Join Webster Five and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts for a Shred and Recycle Day! We’re working with Pellegrino Trucking to provide you with secure document destruction and disposal. Bring those old bank statements and check shredding off of your to-do list. Paper shredding is FREE. 

Need to get rid of old electronics, appliances, or bikes? The YMCA is proud to partner with Green Day Recycling. Check this list for accepted items and their cost to you: 2026 SHRED AND RECYCLE DAY PLUS FOOD DRIVE FLYER 

ALL TOWNS WELCOME! RAIN OR SHINE
HARD DRIVES DESTROYED, CASH PREFERRED, CHECKS (Over $30)

Recycling Questions? Contact: GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com 

NEW THIS YEAR!
Food donations are being encouraged for El Bueno Samaritano Food Program.
Please donate shelf stable, non-perishable food and canned goods.

Items most helpful for the food drive:

• Cereal
• Rice
• Cooking oil
• Beans (canned or dry)
• Soups
• Cookies/snacks
• Bottled water
• Pasta
• Tomato products (canned tomatoes, tomato sauce)
• Grocery gift cards

2026 SHRED AND RECYCLE DAY PLUS FOOD DRIVE FLYER 

WORCESTER – If it weren’t for the matching yellow “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA” T-shirts, they’d look like any other workout group.

But the dozen or so adults rotating through their exercise circuit, complete with pushups and stints on the rowing machines, all have one thing in common: cancer.

Members of the group are participants in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12-week conditioning program designed to help cancer survivors or those undergoing treatment maintain and regain their strength. Through year-round fundraising efforts the program pays for a free three-month membership to the YMCA, in this case the Greendale Family Branch.

Read the full article on telegram.com

Learn more about LIVESTRONG at the Y

Learn More

The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is joining Ys across the country for Five Days of Action®, a weeklong campaign running April 13-17, 2026, designed to raise awareness and inspire action to protect children from abuse, with a special focus this year on digital safety for kids.

Throughout the week, our YMCA will share resources, host family activities, and provide education to help parents and caregivers navigate the ever-changing digital world. The YMCA believes that every adult has a role to play in protecting children, online and off.

In 2026, the Y has partnered with Praesidium, National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance to offer additional resources for parents and caregivers.

The Five Days of Action campaign encourages adults to learn how to recognize red flags, start open conversations with children, access digital safety resources, and take the official pledge to protect kids at fivedaysofaction.org.

Mission In Motion is an Association-Wide, Fundraising Cycle-A-Thon Event to benefit LIVESTRONG® AT THE YMCA; a FREE 12 week health and well-being program for cancer survivors and their families. See your Wellness Director to register!

EVENT INFO:
• Teams of up to 5 people
• 4 hours of cycling between team members
• Raise a minimum of $500 per team
• Team name displayed on bike
• FREE Child Watch Available

LEARN MORE

March 3rd isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about raising each other up. Every dollar donated helps make sure people in Central Massachusetts have access to the programs that turn strangers into teammates, neighbors into friends, and goals into shared victories.

This isn’t just about giving, it’s about belonging. It’s about showing up for each other and making sure everyone has a place to grow, thrive, and connect. No gift is too small. Every dollar helps build a stronger, more connected community.

When you make a gift on the Day of Giving your donation stays local. Funds raised will support Child Care and Camp, Safety Around Water, and Teen Programs, helping more people in Central Massachusetts find their place at the Y.

Plus, Cornerstone Bank is matching every gift made during the Day of Giving. That means your gift has double the impact! To join in, DONATE HERE or stop by your local YMCA of Central Massachusetts branch location. Because there’s no place like this place, and no better time to give.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in America, and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is joining YMCAs across the country in celebrating this historic milestone. Founded in 1850, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of community service, dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all.

The YMCA’s story in America is one of hope, service, and innovation. What began by meeting the needs of young men during London’s Industrial Revolution grew into a movement that has shaped communities across the nation. From inventing basketball and Father’s Day to pioneering ESL classes and group swim lessons, the Y has consistently responded to local needs, creating solutions that foster relationships and belonging.

Through every generation, the Y has been a place where people come together—where connections are made, friendships are formed, and individuals find a sense of belonging. Today, that mission is more important than ever. Across the country and right here in Central Massachusetts, we continue to see the effects of loneliness and isolation across all age groups. This is truly a defining issue of our time, and the Y is uniquely positioned to help build connections between people—something we have done from the beginning.

For more information and to join the celebration, visit 175.ymca.org

About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and wellbeing, ignite youth empowerment, and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

Schedule a FREE 7-Day Trial 

We are deeply grateful to Chef Orlando for generously volunteering his time and talents, and to his amazing sous chef Amie, who stood right by his side to cook and serve meals with so much care. Their dedication helped make today’s launch truly special.

We had a wonderful turnout, and the energy in the room reminded us just how powerful food can be in bringing people together. We’re excited for all the nutritious meals, shared moments, and new skills that will grow from this kitchen. Here’s to community, learning, and the many good things yet to come!