The Carls Family YMCA recently initiated its annual food drive and has accumulated more than 500 pounds of nonperishable items that will benefit two community charities.
The food drive kicked off on Thanksgiving morning and will run over the next several weeks. Both Community Sharing and Active Faith, local community health centers that have food pantries and other critical care services for families in need, will receive all collections from this initiative.
To kick off the food drive, the Carls Family YMCA held a sweat-a-thon called Bring a Can – Kick Your Can, on Thanksgiving morning.
“We gave away bananas and made smoothies for all of our guests, had a hugely successful sweat-a-thon consisting of different classes and activities including yoga, cycling, high intensity aqua exercise, strength training, etc,” said Bartholomew Reed, Executive Director of the Carls Family YMCA. ”What was also great about the day was getting to meet the out-of-town family and friends of those who live in the communities we serve. It was really a great morning .”
The Carls Family YMCA also received cash donations that will be donated to the charities as well.
“The Y should always exist to serve the community, but what is more powerful is watching the community love and care for each other,” Bartholomew said. “We are blessed to be the place where it happens.”