ATHOL — Last year, the Athol Area YMCA provided over $126,000 in memberships, child care, camp scholarships, and other assistance to 828 people, 492 of them children.
“One of the things the Y is all about is making sure we’re accessible to anybody in the community, whether you can afford to participate or not,” said YMCA Executive Director Jeanette Robichaud. About 30 percent of members receive some financial assistance, she said. The annual fundraising campaign kicking off this week helps support that effort, along with money from the United Way and smaller fundraisers.
The goal of the annual campaign, chaired by Joann Deacon, is $40,000. Members of the board of directors will be searching for the lion’s share of donations, and organizers are counting on the efforts of staff, department events and a Great Gatsby themed dinner dance April 2 for the rest. Those wishing to donate can mail checks made out to the Partner With Youth Campaign to the Athol Area YMCA.