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

FFNov24

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.

 
gbdg oct1

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
 
lip

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:

 

  • Jumbo Crayons
  • Puzzles (wooden)
  • Tonka Trucks
  • Baby Dolls
  • Puppets
  • Action Figures
  • Trikes/Scooters
  • Ride on Toys- Hopper balls w/ handle
  • Bubbles
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Garden Soil
  • Seeds (various kinds)
  • Hula Hoops
  • Children's Books
  • Boys and Girls Clothing (3T-5T)
  • Underwear/Socks
  • Active wiggle cushions
  • Sensory Emotions Bottles
  • Bean Bag Chairs
  • 18 x 18 square pillows
  • Square pillowcases w/ inspirational/calming sayings
  • Baby wipes
  • Musical instruments
  • BlocksPlay doh
  • Rubber Swing/Slide Mats (6)
  • Tunnels (for kids to crawl through)
  • Pop-its (squares)
  • Car carpet
  • Kinetic Sand
  • Air Dry Clay/Model Magic
  • Wiffleball/bat set
  • Bowling set
  • Blanket/fitted crib sheets

Donations can be dropped off between September 1st - 30th at any YMCA of Central Virginia branch. 

 
blueymca

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.

 
ymca logo

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
 
Lynchburg Daily Bread

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
 
Junior league logo

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.

 
EELC

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

meals on wheel

 

February/March

Safety Around Water

 

April 2023

ywca logo

 

July/August 2023

The Arc

 

September 2023 - The Blessing Place

October 2023

Foster fuels

November 2023 - Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry

Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry

December 2023

PAD

2022 Recipients

February/March 2022

The Arc of Central Virginia Logo

April/May 2022

Miriam's House Logo

June 2022

YWCA of Central Virginia Logo

July 2022

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg Virginia

September 2022

Free clinic of central virginia logo

October 2022

Foster Fuels Logo

November 2022

YMCA Give Back, Do Good Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry

December 2022

Centra health Logo

2021 Recipients

January 2021

Give Back Do Good January 2021 Jay Parker & YMCA team coat drive to Lynchburg City Schools

"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.

February 2021

February YMCA Give Back, Do Good Lighthouse toiletries donation

March 2021

Give Back Do Good YMCA Tree of Life Ministries Midtown sock collection

April 2021

Give Back, Do Good YMCA Jubilee Center Supply Drive

May 2021

Give Back, Do Good YMCA Parkview community supply drive

June 2021 - Unity in the Seven Hills

Give Back, Do Good Changing Lives Takes a Community

July 2021 - Mary Bethune Academy

Give Back, Do Good YMCA Mary Bethune Academy School Supply Drive

September 2021

Give Back, Do Good YMCA of Central Virginia Lynchburg Humane Society Pet Supply Drive

October 2021

Give Back, Do Good Isaiah 117 Logo

November 2021

YMCA Give Back, Do Good Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry

December 2021 - Madison House of The Arts

Give Back, Do Good YMCA Madison House of the Arts drive