On August 6th, the Statesville Family YMCA provided a true blessing to dozens of local children and their families. Around 20 children from the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont, 10 American Renaissance School students, and 40 participants in the YMCA’s Bridge Academy (program serving homeless students), were treated to breakfast, a back-to-school shopping trip to Walmart and lunch. Recognizing the importance of a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development, the YMCA aims to empower them. With 20 percent of North Carolina children living below the federal poverty level, obtaining school essentials can be challenging for some families. YMCA “Bright Beginnings” program provides them with backpacks, clothing, school supplies and a back-to-school shopping experience they may not have otherwise. As part of our service project tied to SWC Fall Fundraiser, ‘Taste of Iredell’ benefitting the YMCA Bridge Academy, SWC members either donated to the cause or enlisted to be shopping buddies. The experience shopping with these children was huge! (Arthur, S. 2023)
