Some Special Friends Want to Say Thank You! Thanks to all those who contributed to the success of YMCA Bright Beginnings this year. Because of your generosity, local children will have the school supplies they need for a bright beginning to their school year.
Back-to-School Shopping for 2,300 Children
Each fall, as school gets closer, parents take their children on what has become a ritual – back-to-school shopping trips. Many of us take this for granted as something we have to do in order to prepare our children to excel academically. But all over our region there are families who cannot afford the school's list of required supplies or keep up with the clothing needs of growing children. This August, the Y is committed to helping these families by taking 2,300 children back-to-school shopping and ensuring they have a backpack filled with the supplies so they can feel prepared and confident on the first day of school.
You can join us in taking an active role in giving back and supporting our neighbors. Read below about others' experiences and then get involved and make YMCA Bright Beginnings part of your fall ritual.
In 1999, James Babcock went on the first YMCA Bright Beginnings trip for Powhatan County students. Eleven years later, he agreed to share his experience with us and tell us why he thinks it's important to give back.
Since Mary Theobald first offered to help get two children from the Tuckahoe Y ready for school in 1992, the Y has relied on community partners to make YMCA Bright Beginnings a success. From the very beginning, Rotary Clubs were there to donate money, fill backpacks and shop with children.
How do you provide back-to-school clothes and school supplies for 2,300 children? With the help of an entire community committed to preparing children for success.
Becky England is an administrative assistant at the Midlothian Family YMCA. For years, Becky has coordinated shopping trips for hundreds of Midlothian students. Read her first-hand account about what the program means to all involved.
To make a secure online donation to YMCA Bright Beginnings, click the Donate Now button and select the YMCA Bright Beginnings campaign in the drop down menu on the donation form. If you would like your gift to serve children from a specific YMCA's community, select that branch after selecting the campaign.
To mail in your gift, please download the PDF below:
YMCA Bright Beginnings Remit Instructions
and mail it to:
YMCA of Greater Richmond
2 W. Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Attention: Financial Development Department
* If you would like your gift to serve a specific community, please designate on the check the YMCA branch to which it applies.
If your organization or company would like to partner with YMCA Bright Beginnings, please contact Shelly Poole, Bright Beginnings Director, at pooles at ymcarichmond dot org.
Many Thanks to Our Sponsors