This time of year gives us a chance to reflect on our lives and the lives of others in our midst. As the holidays approach, I am especially grateful to experience on a daily basis the Y’s positive influence on so many lives. I continuously hear from members that the Y is a special place because of its unique sense of community. In a large part, this is thanks to our annual appeal. The gifts that members give to the Y during our annual appeal provide membership assistance to those in need, and allow us all to enjoy a more diverse and inclusive Y community.

Each year the Y allocates close to $100,000 in assistance, in the form of scholarships, to community members for whom the cost of our programs is a financial hardship. The following is a sample of how your gift would benefit someone in our community:

YMCA Program Costs

$55 provides a child with an 8 week session of weekly dancing, gymnastic, basketball, or soccer lessons
$110 covers the cost of providing 2 sessions of swim lessons to an under privileged child
$265 funds a 3-month membership for a single parent household
$270 pays for a month of quality childcare at our after-school program
$350 underwrites the cost of a child participating on the Y’s swim or gymnastic team
$360 enables an adult with disabilities to have a six-month membership
$470 sponsors a single parent household that seeks a healthier lifestyle with a 6-month membership
$790 gives two seniors a year’s access to therapy swims, aqua aerobics classes, and “active older adult” group exercise classes

As you consider helping to preserve and enhance the unique community at our Y, here are three ways to be a part of the annual fund:

Credit card: Click here to visit our online form or drop by the Y.

Check: Please make checks payable to the Hampshire Regional YMCA and either it drop by the Y or mail to:

Hampshire Regional YMCA
286 Prospect Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Bank Draft: To add a monthly donation to your Y Membership Bank Draft, stop by the front desk to complete an authorization form.

Best wishes,

David Marks,
CEO, Hampshire Regional YMCA