For their Day of Giving, the YMCA of Greenville is attempting to raise $1.1 million to put back into the community.
The one-day effort to support the Y's Annual Campaign will be observed at all YMCA of Greenville branches as they try to raise $1.1 million.
The funds raised during the campaign go towards community outreach efforts, such as food delivery to families in critical need, blood drives, and other essential relief services; it also goes towards financial assistance to individuals who are unable to afford a full-price membership or the cost of programs.
Diana Watson, Chief Philanthropy Officer of YMCA of Greenville, said food insecurity has grown in the community.
"Through the pandemic we're seeing hunger needs really come at a critical level and we want to do everything single thing we can to support families in need, but we can't do this alone." Watson said. "It really requires the whole community coming together, raising funds to buy the food, to help us in our efforts to deliver, and to make sure the children of our community are cared for."
In response to this growing need, the YMCA has been providing weekly food bags for more than 250 families in the Upstate.
Bags of food packed by YMCA volunteersYMCA of Greenville
Watson said one of the best aspects of Day of Giving is ensuring people who donate know that their money makes immediate impact on the community. One of the Upstate communities in particular needs is the Taylors area.
"Now we've also grown to Taylors which was identified by Furman's Shi Institute as being a food desert so that's an area where people are really struggling to get the food they need," Watson said. "We're working with Greenville County Schools and a local church there to identify families in need and we're delivering bags of food weekly directly to their front door."
Those interested in giving can visit the YMCA website.
