Peninsula YMCA Waives Dues to Furloughed Y Members and Supports the Peninsula Foodbank with Collections

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Jan. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Peninsula YMCA is waiving membership dues for Y members whose pay is being delayed due to the partial government shutdown.

"Social responsibility is a key focus for the Y, and that includes supporting our neighbors and providing others the opportunity to give back to our community," said Adam Klutts, CEO of the Peninsula YMCA. "Our concern grows for the wellbeing of members who are federal employees impacted by the shutdown. We want to help with the mounting stress that results from trying to meet basic needs while not receiving a paycheck. Maintaining healthy habits and exercise are more important than ever when life's challenges are beyond our control." 

Peninsula YMCA members affected should present their government ID to their local Peninsula YMCA center in January to have their dues waived.

In addition, Peninsula YMCA locations in Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg will be designated collection centers for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

"Many furloughed federal employees are eligible for assistance from the foodbank," said Karen Joyner, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. "We deeply appreciate the support from the Peninsula YMCA, particularly at this time of year when donations are typically lower following the holidays. It's always so inspiring to see our community partners come together to make sure no one goes hungry. It is vital that our shelves are always stocked because food insecurity can impact a home without any notice." 

Anyone interested in donating to the foodbank may drop off non-perishable food items to the Hampton Family YMCA located at 1 YMCA Way in Hampton; the Tom and Ann Hunnicutt Family YMCA located at 7827 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News; or the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA, located at 301 Sentara Circle in Williamsburg during normal hours. The YMCA locations will not distribute any food but will serve as collection centers for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, which will dispense food from its regular distribution locations.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children ? regardless of age, income or background ? to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. pmymca.org.

SOURCE Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA