[August 5, 2015. Rye] Rye YMCA members and camp families donated 75 grocery bags filled with non-perishable food items during a recent food drive for Bread of Life. Held on July 28 and 29, the project teamed the Y’s Togetherhood Committee with its summer camp for double the impact. Mrs. Green’s in Rye also stepped up, donating a case of large paper grocery bags to package the donations.
“We’re very appreciative of the YMCA’s efforts on behalf of those who are hungry in our community,” remarked Sue Wexler, the Director of Community Outreach and Youth Engagement for the Bread of Life. “When local organizations work together, we can really make a difference in the lives of others.”
Togetherhood is a national YMCA social responsibility initiative that engages Y members in community service. Since its formation in May 2014, the Rye Y Togetherhood Committee has organized ten projects for a range of community-based organizations including The Sharing Shelf, Don Bosco Community Center, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, My Sisters’ Place, Bread of Life Food Pantry, St. Ignatius Middle School and the Rye Nature Center. Last month’s food drive was coordinated by Togetherhood Committee members Bob and Bill Blake. The brothers were helped by eight additional Y volunteers, including three teenagers, and a team from the Bread of Life.
The Rye Y’s summer camp will engage 1,340 children and teens by summer’s end. Through a range of programs, including sports, swimming, art, STEM activities, gymnastics, and trips to fun and educational venues, kids are learning new skills, making friends and building confidence.
Bread of Life meets the urgent food needs of underfunded and undersupplied pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens throughout southern Westchester County. The organization serves over 400 families and individuals every week at its Rye food pantry alone and thousands more at other facilities.
For more information about Togetherhood or the Rye Y’s summer camp, visit www.ryeymca.org or call 967-6363. For more information about Bread of Life, contact Sue Wexler at sue@givingtreeglobal.org
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