HERE FOR ALL. HERE FOR GOOD.
YMCA News | December 2020 View as Webpage
IN THIS ISSUE

> CEO Update

> Y Giving

> YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: MLK Commemoration & Essay Contest

> HEALTHY LIVING: Keeping You Safe At The Y

> SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CSS Virtual Holiday Gift Drive | TOGETHERHOOD®
CEO Update
Season Greetings, YMCA Friends.

I truly hope this e-mail finds you and those you love immersed in the spirit of the holiday season. No doubt, many in our community have been impacted by the public health crisis. Some may find themselves either without work, searching for child care, care-giving, struggling for basic needs, or mourning the loss of a family member or friend. Sadly, some are experiencing a bit of each.

These difficult days remind me why the work of the YMCA is so critical. As a non profit, our mission to strengthen community has never been so meaningful. People need us more than ever.

Although our Y has also been impacted in ways we could not have predicted, we remain steadfast in our commitment to be here for all who need us, and here for good. We welcome you to join us in this mission.

Wishing you good health and happy holidays.

Stronger Together,
Laurie Goganzer, President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Y GIVING | WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
As we come to the close of a remarkable year, we at the YMCA are taking stock of all that has changed. Due to the pandemic, there were many programs and services we couldn't provide, and many ways we couldn't connect with our community like we've always done.

But, there was also much we did do. The generosity of our members, staff, partners, donors and volunteers helped us to serve people in new ways, as you can see in the video below. During this season of giving, we need your help to continue to meet the changing needs of our neighbors.

What better gift can you give this season than one that makes our community a better place to live? Please consider a special holiday gift to the Y to help 2021 be a fresh start for all.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | YOUR VOICE MATTERS
2021 YMCA MLK ESSAY CONTEST
DEADLINE: DEC. 11, 5 P.M.
We're excited to host our 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration virtually this year, with Keynote Speaker Kerwin Webb and honoring Lunch Break Executive Director, Gwendolyn Love.

As part of our mission to support social justice and inspire future leaders, all high school students from greater Monmouth County are invited to share their voice and enter to win a $1,500 educational scholarship, generously donated by Hackensack Meridian Health,

The deadline for essay submission is Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 by 5 p.m. Learn more about our annual event and how to enter the essay contest.
HEALTHY LIVING | SUPPORTING SAFETY & WELLNESS
New Routine: Crazy Clean!
Your safety at the Y is our top priority. We’re working hard every day to make your Y workout worry-free. We have socially-distanced spaces, we’ve dialed our cleaning to a 10, and we have new air filtration systems. Come see us!

Learn more about our Gift of Good Health Personal Training Promo running Dec. 15-Jan. 15 to support your wellness goals. Stay connected to our latest safety protocols, amenities and upcoming holiday hours.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY | GIVING BACK
2020 Virtual Holiday Gift Drive
There's still time to give the gift of joy to children and families in need this holiday season. Support our Y's annual Adopt-a-Family program hosted by our Counseling and Social Services team by donating a gift card from our virtual tree.

All gifts are personally delivered to our families and your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you for making this annual giving event so successful. The families we serve are so grateful!
TOGETHERHOOD®
Activating People for Good
Thanks to all volunteers who joined us to nourish our neighbors through Thanksgiving meal distribution. Our YMCA distributed 397 meals and desserts plus 34 turkeys to children and families at our Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center. View photos.

26 Togetherhood® volunteers from Freehold Borough High School, community members, Y Board members, staff and families, with contributions from Fulfill, Acme and ShopRite, all joined together to give back where it counts. We are grateful!

Join us each month for our latest Togetherhood® volunteer project.
YMCA HOLIDAY HOURS
View early closings and hours for the holidays at all Y locations. For those traveling during the holidays, please follow state regulations and do not return to Y programs if you are required to quarantine.

We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season with those you love, near or far!
HERE FOR ALL. HERE FOR GOOD. The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is a cause-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization that believes everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about financial assistance or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call 732.671.5505, ext. 120 or visit ymcanj.org/donate.