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The YMCA of NWNC’s Annual Day of Giving was held on Monday, March 28, throughout each branch in the association, including the Jerry Long Family YMCA in Clemmons.

YMCA Day of Giving is an annual, one-day giving event that provides an opportunity to donate to your local YMCA. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

People were invited to visit any YMCA of NWNC branch on Monday and learn more, participate in branch activities and donate to the Y’s Annual Impact Fund in-person.

Donations can also be made online at ymcanwnc.org/give.

The 2022 Annual Impact Fund goal for all of the branches located in Forsyth County is $985,000.

“Day of Giving is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Y and our community, and to make our communities stronger,” said Joe Peele, a district vice president for the YMCA of NWNC. “This day is also an integral part of our yearlong efforts to raise money for the Annual Impact Fund, which supports a number of Y efforts that help our members and neighbors every day.”

Funds raised this year will support a variety of programs and initiatives at the Y, including:

• Summer Exploration Academy, where children spend day camp at their local Y with enriching, healthy activities and positive role models.

• A week of programs and activities at YMCA Camp Hanes, where campers will make memories and connections to the great outdoors that last a lifetime.

• Bright Beginnings initiative, which gives students the school supplies and confidence they need to start the academic year on the right foot.

• LIVESTRONG: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, which gives cancer survivors a space to focus on their physical health and well-being as they adjust to
their new normal after treatment.

• Financial scholarships that can support a yearlong membership for a family so that they can have access to Y facilities and programs to help them live healthier lives.

• Teaching entire classes of swimmers the life-saving skills and confidence they’ll need to be safe in and around water.

• Achievers programs, which give students life-changing experiences that inspire them to pursue their personal goals after high school.

• Let’s Get Fit, a program at the Robinhood Road Family YMCA that allows people with intellectual and developmental differences to have a safe, inclusive space to exercise and make friends.

• Financial scholarships to give seniors membership for a year at the Y, where they can focus on their health and connections with others.

• Adult Literacy program, which gives adult English learners the skills they need to seek additional education or open more doors to employment opportunities.

“A lot of people in our community help make our Ys strong, and donors to the YMCA play a very large role in this,” said Darryl Head, interim president and CEO of the YMCA of NWNC.

“All funds raised on the Day of Giving allows the YMCA to serve thousands of people in our area — both members and those who are not members of the Y.”