The A.J. McClung YMCA Youth & Teen Center hosted a Thanksgiving food drive for the local community. 14 youth & teens gathered to package over 80 donation bags perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities.
This idea was brought to life by Jermaine Billingsly aka "Coach Twin" in partnership with Edmond Peabody, A.J. McClung Branch Director. The group was a combination of our 'Basketball Bootcamp' youth, as well as students participating in our Thanksgiving Week Camp.
Coach Twin wanted to ensure that each child was personally invested in the project & asked the students to donate $5.00 to the program. Parents and local community members quickly learned about the project and donations started to flow in. Turkeys were received, monetary donations given & in the end the Thanksgiving drive was able to provide 25 turkeys & 80 donation bags which included various canned foods & non-perishable items.
Any unclaimed items were not left to waste. Coach Twin ensured that all excess donations would be donated to local organizations, such as House of Mercy, The Salvation Army and Open Door.
Coach Twin was so inspired by the student involvement & the outcome of this flagship program that he already has wheels & ideas turning to host a toy drive in December. Beginning December 1st, the A.J. McClung YMCA will be collecting unwrapped gifts for boys & girls, ages 3-10 years old. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
If you would like to learn more about either of these programs or volunteer, please contact the A.J. McClung Branch Director, Edmond Peabody (epeabody@ymcacolumbusga.com) for more information!
You can also visit our website to learn more about our Y Achievers & youth sports programs housed at the A.J. McClung Youth & Teen Center.
From our Y family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!