Member Update 4/6/20

Our CEO, Zach Klipsch, provides an update on the Sherman Lake YMCA.

Dear Sherman Lake YMCA Family,

During times of crisis, Mr. Rogers once told us to "Find the helpers," those people who step up in times of need to help others in their community. At the Y, we are a community of helpers and, in difficult times, we pivot in response to our community needs finding ways to use our resources to offer solutions. Here's what we've been doing and how YOU can help.

WHAT WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW

  • Blood Donation Stations - The Red Cross is experiencing a severe shortage of lifesaving blood. We have two blood drives scheduled over the next few weeks and will work with the Red Cross to schedule more as opportunities arise.

  • Fresh Food Distribution Site - The Sherman Lake YMCA is a fresh food distribution site for the South Michigan Food Bank. In our first week, we gave away 100 boxes of food.

  • Partnering with the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo to provide 1,000 meals a day. Our staff is preparing 1,000 meals daily for distribution to area youth and their families as supplemental support to the Kalamazoo Public Schools grab-and-go food distribution efforts.

  • Preparing for Summer Camp 2020. At this time, we are moving forward with our summer camp planning to ensure we can offer a summer camp experience full of fun and HCRR!

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

  • Stay with us. Continue paying membership dues normally, to enable the Y to expand our efforts to help our community during this difficult time.

  • Make a donation. We can’t do it alone…we need you beside us. Please consider making a gift to the Sherman Lake YMCA to help ensure we have the resources necessary to deliver these critically needed services.

  • Donate blood. As the coronavirus pandemic has grown in the US, there have been many blood drive cancellations. The American Red Cross needs healthy donors to schedule an appointment to give. Click here to schedule a time to donate. 

Thank you for being part of our YMCA community. We will continue to share ways the Y is giving back and ways you can help.

Stay safe and be well,

Zach Klipsch, CEO
Sherman Lake YMCA