A HELPING HANd IN tHE StormS of LIfE

The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading charitable 501(c)3 organizations. Our programs and services are open to all through our financial assistance programs made possible through the generosity of our members, donors and partners. To help us help others, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org

SUMMIT AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA 550 Springfield AvenueBerkeley Heights, NJ 07922

SUMMIT YMCA67 Maple StreetSummit, NJ 07901

THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA95 Morris AvenueSummit, NJ 07901

SUMMIT AREA YMCA Association Services490 Morris AvenueSummit, NJ 07901

SpECIAL EdITION - STORM UpdATEINSPIrING SoCIAL rESPoNSIBILItYSuperstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on many lives in our community. Many of us were without power and heat for days. For some of us it was several weeks, an unpleasant reminder of last year’s unexpected and devastating ice storm. This year our Berkeley Heights YMCA, in particular, became a welcome place of refuge for many in our community to recharge their batteries literally and figuratively. Over the course of four days, over 290 individuals took warm showers, 245 children enjoyed safe and supervised childcare services at no charge, 165 people were able to recharge their electronic devices, and all in the community could avail of the week-long complimentary Y membership to use our health and wellness facility. Even though the Summit YMCA was without power for a week, many of its staff devoted their time to helping at the shelter run by the City of Summit at the Summit Middle School. These staff were key players who helped organize recreational activities for youth and seniors, as well as provide support and assistance for those who stayed overnight at the school. When power was restored to the Summit YMCA, it become the much needed shelter for those still without electricity and heat in the community. Our Y branches also partnered with the NJ Food Bank and other organizations to provide support to those communities severely and adversely impacted by the storm. Over 30 bags of clothing, jackets, and blankets, as well as diapers, pet food, toiletries, and non-perishable food items were collected and transported to distribution centers located on the Jersey shore. these are only some heart-warming examples of the work the Y continues to do in our community and beyond, to help those in need. Each and every one of us, at some point in our lives, is affected by a storm, a very personal time of crisis. Part of the Y’s mission is to help those in our community to weather the storms and emerge stronger, healthier, and better prepared for tomorrow. Our Y was there for people and cared for some of the most needy, frail and elderly individuals and families in our community. The Y was a beacon of light and hope. It is because of your support that the Y is able to make a difference now and will be able to do so in the years to come! While most of us would probably prefer to navigate around life’s storms, especially the ones that drop us to our knees, we all know that storms are part of life. We also know that sometimes what we need is a helping hand to get back up, a smile to keep going, and words of encouragement to not lose hope. You may never know the people that your gift has helped, but you can take comfort in knowing that you’ve made a real and meaningful difference in their lives and that this world is a better place for it. on behalf of the Y family, we wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season and thank you for your continued support of the Summit Area YmCA.