As the community prepares for a new school year, the YMCA of Greenwich is launching its first-ever Back to School Fundraising Campaign, a new initiative aimed at ensuring that all children in Greenwich have the confidence, care, and resources they need to thrive from day one.
The campaign supports four key YMCA programs that work together to meet the needs of working families and children across a wide age range — from toddlers taking their first steps into preschool to elementary students navigating the classroom and playground.
The launch of the campaign comes at a time of growing demand for affordable child care and enrichment opportunities in the Greenwich area. This fall, the YMCA will open its brand-new Early Learning Center, providing high-quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers — a direct response to the community’s call for more accessible early childhood education options.
The campaign also supports the YMCA’s After School Enrichment Program, where 51% of enrolled children received financial assistance last school year. These scholarships ensure that working parents can access reliable after school care that blends academic support, physical activity, and social-emotional development.
In addition, funds raised will support the Play Every Day program, launched this past school year. This innovative initiative places YMCA staff in local elementary schools during recess to promote active, inclusive play and keep kids engaged and moving throughout the day.
And at the heart of the campaign is Running Start, the Y’s annual back-to-school shopping program. This summer, 125 children from local families will receive $150 gift cards to shop for new clothes, shoes, and school supplies — helping them walk into school with pride and a fresh start.
“Running Start meant so much to me and my family. When we first participated in Running Start, only my husband was working, and with a family of four, things were tight. Thanks to this program, my son was able to start the school year with beautiful new clothes, and he was so excited and confident because of it. We are so grateful. Thank you!”
— Parent of a child who participated in our Running Start program
The YMCA’s Back to School Fundraising Campaign is accepting donations of all sizes. Every dollar goes directly toward helping local children feel prepared, supported, and full of potential as they begin the school year.
• $150 covers one child’s full Running Start shopping experience
• $300 supports two days a week of after school care for one child
• $400 provides three days a week of after school care
• $700 funds a full week of after school care
• $2,100 covers one month of preschool at the Early Learning Center
• $2,500 funds a month of infant or toddler care for a working family
For those looking to make a meaningful local impact this fall, the YMCA’s Back to School Fundraising Campaign is a direct way to support families and strengthen the foundation for a successful school year.
To learn more or make a donation, click here.
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich. Founded in 1916, the YMCA of Greenwich offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility to nurture the potential of everyone in our community. Our YMCA is a membership organization open to all people. The YMCA welcomes people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. With our “Y For All Membership” program, your rates are based on total household income and circumstance. To learn more about the YMCA of
Greenwich, visit: www.greenwichymca.org.