Give Back, Do Good
Here for Good
Give Back Do Good, a YMCA of Central Virginia outreach initiative identifies and fills a different critical community need each month. Using our resources & reach we assist our fellow nonprofits & partners in achieving their goals of helping and providing for others.
As a nonprofit ourselves, we understand the struggle that can be felt while trying to create meaningful impact with limited resources. Each day, hundreds of community members come through our doors. Y members & guests can be a part of building a better community by participating in "Give Back, Do Good."
Each month we will identify a community need and share that information with our membership and supporters. A drop off area is located in each YMCA of Central Virginia lobby.
Thank you to our friends at WSLS for helping us shed light on this initiative. Click here to read more.
2024
November 2024: Partnership with Foster Fuels
In partnership with Foster Fuels, the YMCA is proud to participate in their annual coat drive to support families in need this winter. We’re collecting gently used coats, mittens, gloves, and hats for children, but adult-size items are also welcome! All donations will either benefit children directly or be shared with other local nonprofits to extend our community’s impact.
You can drop off donations at any of our three YMCA locations from November 1st - 30th.
October 2024: Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry (RAEFP)
RAEFP is a local food bank lead by 7 churches. They serve all communities within our area and individuals and families are selected by social services based on their needs. Please help us provide healthy food for those in our area. Donations may be dropped off from October 1st-31st.
ITEMS NEEDED:
- Apple Sauce
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Pasta
- Canned Stew(Chicken or Beef)
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Chili
- Canned Tuna Fish
- Canned White Potatoes
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Jelly
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Peanut Butter
- Soup
- Tuna Fish Casserole Mix
September 2024: Little Scholars Academy Preschool
The Little Scholars Academy is all about sparking a love for learning! Using the VDOE approved STREAM in 3 curricula, we will inspire little minds to think big, be problem- solvers, and embrace their curiosity - setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond! Our program is located at West Lynchburg Baptist Church and is for children ages 3-4. Your child will be in excellent hands with our dedicated team of teachers.
If you would like to support this program, we are requesting items listed below:
|
|
Donations can be dropped off between September 1st - 30th at any YMCA of Central Virginia branch.
August 2024 - YMCA Swim Program
This month we are collecting items for our YMCA Swim Program! We work to provide kids and families with the resources and opportunities they need to learn how to be safe around water.
This month, we are accepting the following items:
- Kids size swim goggles
Goggles can be found at Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
Donations can be dropped off between August 1st - 31st at any YMCA of Central Virginia branch.
July 2024 - YMCA Kids
This month we are collecting items for our very own YMCA Kids! We work to provide kids, families and communities with the resources and opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and happy environment. That's why we offer a range of programs and services to meet the unique needs of each community we serve.
This month, we are accepting the following items:
- 8 weeks - 4 years old
- Books/ Coloring Books
- Stickers
- Crayons
- Paw Patrol Toys/ Characters
- Tay Cars/ Vehicles
- Baby Dolls/ Barbies
- Play Kitchen Toys and Play Food
- 5 yrs - 12 yrs
- Coloring Books
- Colored Pencils
- Puzzles
- Board Games
- Playing Cards
- Sports Balls
- LEGOs
May & June 2024 - Lynchburg Daily Bread
We serve people from all walks of life. Our guests include workers who are recently unemployed or those with temporary or part-time jobs who can’t make ends meet. We serve the elderly and the disabled on fixed incomes, families with small children/babies, single parents, and persons with mental health challenges. Approximately 40% of our guests are over the age of 50. We are seeing an increase in the number of families coming to Daily Bread and are thankful to be part of making sure no child goes hungry.
This month, we are accepting the following items:
- Cans of vegetables and fruit-green beans, carrots and apples are favorites
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Salad dressing
- Salt free seasonings
- 55 gallon trash bags
- Plastic forks and spoons
- Paper towels
- Paper napkins
- Cleaning supplies, dish detergent, wipes and kitchen cleaners
April 2024 - Junior League of Lynchburg
This month we are collecting items for the Junior League of Lynchburg’s New Member Project to fill travel bags with what young teens need as they exit the Lynchburg Youth Group Home. Accepting donations now through April 30th. Drop donations in the bin at any of our locations.
Items needed:
- Body Soap
- Shampoo
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Wash Cloths
- Hair Grooming Products
- Toothbrushes
March 2024 - Lynchburg General Hospital
This month we are taking up a collection of items that will bring a smile to the children who will be hospitalized on Easter Sunday. The following items are needed to make these children feel special.
ITEMS NEEDED:
- Activity Books
- Sticker Books
- Coloring Books
- Reading Books for ages 5-10
- Colored Pencils
- Crayons
- Markers
- Small Stuffed
- Animals
- Colorful Children Bible Stories of Easter
Accepting donations now through March 31st. Drop donations in the bin at any of our locations.
January/ February 2024
This month we are taking collections for the Elizabeth Early Learning Center, a non-profit childcare center that provides early childhood education to more than 200 children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten. EELC provides physical, social, emotional, and cognitive developmental needs of children in age appropriate classes.
ITEMS NEEDED:
- Diapers
- Construction paper
- Pencils - Thick
- Crayons
- Washable Markers
- Highlighters
- Journals/Notebooks
- Treasure Chest toys
- Balls for the playground
- Post It Notes
- Sharpies
- File Folders
- Hand Sanitizer
- Thank you cards, blank inside
Accepting donations now through January 31st. Drop donations in the bin at any of our locations.
2023 Recipients
January 2023
February/March
April 2023
July/August 2023
September 2023 - The Blessing Place
October 2023
November 2023 - Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry
December 2023
2022 Recipients
February/March 2022
April/May 2022
June 2022
July 2022
September 2022
October 2022
November 2022
December 2022
2021 Recipients
January 2021
"Give Back, Do Good" launched in January with the collection and redistribution of coats for Lynchburg City School students. Jay Parker, YMCA of CVA CEO, and Mary Taylor, YMCA of CVA Development Director delivered over 200 coats for kids to Dr. Crystal Edwards and Zebia Christian of Lynchburg City Schools.
In addition to the coats, we were also able to provide LCS with 200 water bottles for children to ensure safe hydration practices during the pandemic.