Information: ymca.net/togetherhood
Under its national initiative, Togetherhood, YMCA - USA is dedicated to bring together its local members to help communities grow stronger by neighbors helping neighbors.
In Cobb County, the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA and Dwell Communities at 1794 partnered for their second Togetherhood project to support underserved children and their families for the upcoming school year.
The back-to-school event on July 23, included a workshop for the families on nutrition and stress reduction, a mock store for families to “shop” for clothes that were donated by YMCA members and members at Mount Paran North Church, new backpacks, donated books and other important school supplies. The event also included a Farm Fresh Market, where families could pick up to 10 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for free. The market is in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
In addition, participants received free haircuts, healthcare advice from Kaiser Permanente and instruction on the proper way to brush their teeth along with free toothpaste for every child.
“The YMCA’s vision is to be the organization recognized for bringing people together to champion communities where everyone belongs. I can’t think of a better way to live this out than helping children and families have what they need to succeed,” said Gayle Battersby, operation director at the McCleskey-East Cobb and Northeast Cobb Family YMCAs.
The day also included fun activities like games, puppet making and a chance to check out some Cobb County fire trucks and learn about fire safety from local firemen.
To continue the work of Togetherhood, Battersby encourages members of their local YMCAs to get involved in the Togetherhood committees or volunteer for one of the intiative’s events.
“This day brought smiles to some very deserving kids’ faces as well as to the volunteers’ faces,” she said. “Together, we can make a difference in our community.”
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