The Gloucester County YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program is a community outreach program that provides children in need with the new clothes and school supplies to start the school year. We strongly believe that children, who have the necessities needed to succeed, can focus on learning rather than worrying about having shoes to wear on the playground and crayons to color their assignments.
The Y organizes a planned shopping day and volunteers to shop one-on-one with a child after enjoying a healthy breakfast together. After a fun bus ride in typical Y-fashion, singing and cheering are a must – the children and their volunteer shoppers head out to find shirts, pants, shoes, socks and coat.
Volunteer Shopper
Becoming a Bright Beginnings Shopping Buddy requires no more than a ready smile, a few hours of your time, and the desire to help a child. Individuals and small groups are always welcome. This year’s trip will be August 18th from 8:30 am to 12 pm.
Sponsor a Child
There is no cost to the child’s family to participate. We count on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to send children from the service area of the Gloucester County YMCA shopping this August. But we need your help. All donations are greatly appreciated; sponsoring 10 children ($1500) or even just one or two children at $150 each, makes a difference.
Be a Backpack Buddy
You and/or your business or organization can partner with the Gloucester County YMCA and fill backpacks according to our school systems’ supply lists. Backpacks are provided to children who participate on a shopping trip, children on our waiting list, and other community children in need.
Contact Kelly Peoples for further information at (856) 845-0720 or kellyp@ymcagloco.org
The Gloucester County YMCA is committed to protecting the children we serve. While we cannot eliminate all threats, we want to do what we can to ensure that the children in our care are safe. When entering the Y all members, participants and guests must have a valid picture ID which will be scanned through a national child abuse database. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access. We appreciate your cooperation.