| "We learn caring, responsibility, honesty and respect," the third-grader said about the afterschool program she has been attending at the Plainfield Area YMCA for three years. Smiling as she described how she's made her best friends at the Y, Parker, in many ways, represents the goals and intentions of the YMCA's children's programs.
She also represents the need to do more."There are kids that come in and can't afford to pay for the programs we have," Plainfield Area YMCA President Addy Bonet said. "We have a policy not to turn anyone away because they can't pay, but we need to have the money to support that."
The city's YMCA on Tuesday celebrated the beginning of its first Strong Kids Support Campaign -- a fundraiser from which 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward supporting families who can't afford to pay for the YMCA's children's program.Hoping to raise $60,000 by the end of the year, Bonet said the organization is almost halfway to its goal, but is relying on individual and corporate donations to continue the fundraising effort.
The Plainfield Area YMCA offers afterschool programs in all seven of the school district's elementary schools as well as an extended, on-site afterschool program at its Watchung Avenue location. Children also are able to participate in all-day summer camps that cater to working parents.Former San Francisco 49ers tight end Al Dixon, a Plainfield resident, chaired Tuesday's event, touting the YMCA in his hometown of St. Louis as a cornerstone of his upbringing and eventual success.
"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the YMCA," Dixon said to the celebration's attendees. "Maybe one day, another Al Dixon can come out of the YMCA in Plainfield."What you can do
* Those interested in contributing to the Plainfield Area YMCA's Strong Kids Support Campaign can call (908) 756-6060 or visit the Web site ww.PlainfieldY.org for more information.Christa Segalini can be reached at (908) 707-3142 or csegalini@c-n.com. |
