Giving Tuesday usually takes place after Thanksgiving, as a way for people to remember to donate to charities during the holiday season. But this year, it’s also being held on Tuesday as an event called Giving Tuesday Now, meant to support nonprofits through the COVID-19 crisis. The YMCA of Central New York is using the day to highlight the work they're still doing.
Thousands of YMCA members in central New York have put their memberships on hold, since gyms were ordered to close.
“That really affects us financially,” said Stefanie Noble, director of marketing and communication for the YMCA of Central New York.
The YMCA relies on memberships and philanthropic support to run their programs, beyond what Noble calls just “gym and swim.” Its Men’s Residence in downtown Syracuse is still open for 85 residents.
"They're coming from different paths of incarceration, homelessness, substance use disorder,” Noble said. “Seniors rely on us for low income housing."
Other YMCA locations have child care for essential workers. The YMCA has also opened its Camp Iroquois in Manlius on a very limited basis to families in their inclusion program, with kids of different developmental abilities.
“We know those families are facing a lot of challenges, right now, in being able to keep their kids active and do so in a safe way,” Noble said.
The Y has virtual art, writing and music classes, as well as online gym, health and aquatic lessons. It’s still unclear how or if their summer programs will be allowed to operate.
