Each year, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA (FSPYMCA) offers over $300,000 in financial assistance to those in our community in need of support. This is largely supported by gifts to their Annual Campaign, which goes toward programming such as summer day camp, chronic disease prevention, swim lessons, child care, leadership programs, healthy living initiatives and more.

I believe in the work of the YMCA and, in particular, our Y. As a member and a board member, I've seen first hand how the FSPYMCA acts as more than just a gym. It's a support center, a childcare center, a fitness center, a friend center and a community center. It's many things to everyone and is an integral part of our community.

Among the best examples of the Y's community support is a first-hand story I heard about a struggling family who wouldn't be able to buy their son a Christmas gift. The Y called the family and asked what the boy, a subsidized childcare attendee, wanted for Christmas. He was overjoyed to open his new bike on Christmas Day.

The YMCA believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive and their mission is to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. No matter the size, a gift provides opportunity. Together, we can change the life of a child, adult, senior or family in our community. Won't you help?