As families across Greenwich prepare for the return to school, the YMCA of Greenwich is bringing back its beloved Running Start program for the fourth year in a row — and this year, it’s bigger than ever. The program, which provides local students with back-to-school clothes, supplies, and confidence, will serve 125 students this August — a 25% increase from 2024.
Over the past four years, Running Start has grown steadily from just 50 participants in its inaugural year to 75 in 2023, and 100 in 2024. Now, in 2025, thanks to growing community support and generous donations, the Y will host five shopping nights at Kohl’s in Port Chester: August 5, 7, 11, 13, and 19.
“Each year, we see more demand and more support for Running Start,” said Dakota O’Brien, Director of Marketing and Communications at the YMCA of Greenwich.
“What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful community effort to make sure every child starts school with not just the right supplies, but also a sense of excitement and confidence.”
The Running Start program reflects the YMCA’s commitment to youth development by ensuring students have the clothing, supplies, and support they need for a strong start to the school year. Students receive a $150 gift card to shop for new school apparel at Kohl’s, alongside a backpack filled with school supplies, generously provided by Neighbor to Neighbor.
Students are matched with trained and background-checked volunteers who help them shop, ensuring a safe, fun, and supportive experience. Before their shopping trip, students and volunteers meet at a kickoff pizza party at the Y to get to know one another before boarding a bus to Kohl’s together.
Participants are identified through partnerships with local organizations, including Greenwich Public Schools, the Greenwich Department of Human Services, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, Horizons at Brunswick, and Neighbor to Neighbor of Greenwich, as well as YMCA families already receiving financial assistance.
Community members are encouraged to support Running Start by volunteering their time or donating to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which helps fund gift cards and program expenses.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.greenwichymca.org/running-start
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich, CT. 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.