--- title: "YMCA Day of Giving" description: "Join us for Day of Giving: 24 hours to help more kids, families, and neighbors access life-changing YMCA programs, regardless of their ability to pay. " type: article version: 1 version_id: "d78c8f6b-3883-406d-9b8f-1370429dc829" generated_at: "2026-04-30T13:41:45.558Z" author: "sharing this page" date_published: "2026-03-06" language: en reading_time: "15 min" word_count: 2884 keywords: ["YMCA Day of Giving", "How Day Of Giving Works", "Why Day of Giving Matters", "A Story Of Impact"] url: "https://metroymcas.org/ymca-day-of-giving" --- # YMCA Day of Giving > Join us for Day of Giving: 24 hours to help more kids, families, and neighbors access life-changing YMCA programs, regardless of their ability to pay. ## Key Takeaways - How Day Of Giving Works - Why Day of Giving Matters - A Story Of Impact - FAQs ## Contents - [How Day Of Giving Works](#how-day-of-giving-works) - [Why Day of Giving Matters](#why-day-of-giving-matters) - [A Story Of Impact](#a-story-of-impact) - [FAQs](#faqs) # YMCA Day of Giving # Today, Your Gift Helps More Neighbors Belong. ### Your Day of Giving gift opens the door to life-changing YMCA programs where children, families, and individuals build confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging. # THANK YOU! What an extraordinary Day of Giving. Thanks to you, our community took a beautiful step forward, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your Day of Giving support will bring significant opportunities. That outpouring of donations will make a real and immediate difference for our neighbors. Doors will open for parents, children, seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs, giving them the chance to learn, grow, and connect. **Families** will receive the support they need to breathe a little easier and continue building healthy, thriving lives. But the true impact goes far beyond numbers. It lives in the smiles of kids who get to join their first swim class, the relief of parents who feel supported, and the renewed confidence of adults rediscovering their strength. These moments — these lives changed — are possible because someone like you chose to care. # GIVING TOTAL: $ 88389 ## How Day Of Giving Works ### Give a gift: Make a secure donation. - Select your location [Association Services](http://givebutter.com/metrogive) [East Orange YMCA](http://givebutter.com/eoy) [Fairviewlake YMCA Camps](https://givebutter.com/FVL) [Greater Bergen County YMCA](https://givebutter.com/gbcy) [South Mountain YMCA](https://givebutter.com/smy) [Sussex County YMCA](https://givebutter.com/scy) [West Essex YMCA](https://givebutter.com/c/WEY) ### Share the cause: Invite friends and family to join you by sharing this page.  ### See the impact: We'll follow up with real stories and results so you can see how your gift is strengthening our community. ## Why Day of Giving Matters ###  Why Your Gift Today Matters At the Y, we’re committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. #### Your Day of Giving gift helps us:  - Provide safe, nurturing spaces for kids to learn, grow, and thrive after school and in the summer - Offer programs that support health and well-being for all ages - Ensure cost is never a barrier to participation - Create experiences that foster **achievement, relationships, and belonging** for everyone who walks through our doors ### What Your Gift Can Do Every gift, of every size, makes a real difference. - **$500** - Offsets the cost of membership for a senior on a fixed income this year - **$250** - Gives a family access to the resources during a time of financial hardship - **$50** - Supports a month of chronic disease prevention or wellness classes - **$25** - Helps a teen join a leadership or mentoring program ## A Story Of Impact My husband Brian passed away in a tragic car accident on Aug. 16, 2020. Brian was the most involved dad there could ever be. Because of our work hours, he was always the one that dropped the girls off at school and picked them up every day. When Brian passed away so suddenly, besides the grief, I was completely lost as far as caring for the girls. Give $50 to help a mom like Annette find her footing again. **Annette DeMeo** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Parent ### Marlene Waldock, YMCA Board Member, shares why she gives to the YMCA Give $50 to help families access programs. **Marlene Waldock** YMCA Board Member | ### How the YMCA Helped Karlene and Her Family My name is Karlene Antoine, a single mother of four adopted children, three with special needs. Almost three years ago, we moved to Sussex County for a better environment where my children could thrive. Like many parents, I strived to make informed choices as we adjusted to a new community and schools. Give $50 to help a family like Karlene's access programs. **Karlene Antoine** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Parent When Kaitlyn Ghiassi and her husband moved to New Jersey so he could begin an unpaid medical rotation, their young family faced financial strain and uncertainty. Their son Danial, who was 2-years-old, was struggling with some speech delays and needed opportunities to socialize, explore, and grow. Kaitlyn hoped to give him normal childhood experiences during this transition and turned to the YMCA. With support from the Y’s **[Financial Assistance Program](https://metroymcas.org/y-for-all?hsLang=en)**, Danial enrolled in child care at the West Essex YMCA’s Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center and began to thrive. His social, emotional, and intellectual skills progressed rapidly, and he found a place where he could develop confidence, curiosity, and connection. Give $50 to help young families like Danial's access programs. **Danial Ghiassi** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Kid My husband Brian passed away in a tragic car accident on Aug. 16, 2020. Brian was the most involved dad there could ever be. Because of our work hours, he was always the one that dropped the girls off at school and picked them up every day. When Brian passed away so suddenly, besides the grief, I was completely lost as far as caring for the girls. Give $50 to help a mom like Annette find her footing again. **Annette DeMeo** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Parent ### Marlene Waldock, YMCA Board Member, shares why she gives to the YMCA Give $50 to help families access programs. **Marlene Waldock** YMCA Board Member | ### How the YMCA Helped Karlene and Her Family My name is Karlene Antoine, a single mother of four adopted children, three with special needs. Almost three years ago, we moved to Sussex County for a better environment where my children could thrive. Like many parents, I strived to make informed choices as we adjusted to a new community and schools. Give $50 to help a family like Karlene's access programs. **Karlene Antoine** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Parent When Kaitlyn Ghiassi and her husband moved to New Jersey so he could begin an unpaid medical rotation, their young family faced financial strain and uncertainty. Their son Danial, who was 2-years-old, was struggling with some speech delays and needed opportunities to socialize, explore, and grow. Kaitlyn hoped to give him normal childhood experiences during this transition and turned to the YMCA. With support from the Y’s **[Financial Assistance Program](https://metroymcas.org/y-for-all?hsLang=en)**, Danial enrolled in child care at the West Essex YMCA’s Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center and began to thrive. His social, emotional, and intellectual skills progressed rapidly, and he found a place where he could develop confidence, curiosity, and connection. Give $50 to help young families like Danial's access programs. **Danial Ghiassi** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Kid My husband Brian passed away in a tragic car accident on Aug. 16, 2020. Brian was the most involved dad there could ever be. Because of our work hours, he was always the one that dropped the girls off at school and picked them up every day. When Brian passed away so suddenly, besides the grief, I was completely lost as far as caring for the girls. Give $50 to help a mom like Annette find her footing again. **Annette DeMeo** Financial Assistance Recipient | YMCA Parent ### Marlene Waldock, YMCA Board Member, shares why she gives to the YMCA Give $50 to help families access programs. **Marlene Waldock** YMCA Board Member | ## FAQs - Is my gift tax-deductible? Yes. Your donation to the YMCA is tax‑deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.(We recommend consulting your tax advisor for personal guidance.) - How will my gift be used? 100% of your gift directly supports individuals and families in our community through financial assistance and access to life‑changing YMCA programs. This approach reflects the Y’s commitment to ensuring everyone can participate, regardless of financial circumstance. - Can I give in honor or memory of someone? Yes. You may dedicate your gift **in honor** or **in memory** of someone who has made a meaningful impact in your life. Using tribute language is encouraged and aligns with the Y’s inclusive storytelling practices, honoring people in the ways they self‑identify. - Can my company match my gift? Yes. Many employers offer matching-gift programs, which can **double or even triple** your impact. Matching opportunities help amplify community support, a key best practice in donor engagement. [Matching Gift](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/matching-gift-basics/) and [Volunteer Grant](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/volunteer-grant-basics/) information provided by [](https://doublethedonation.com) [ ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/financial-assistance-helps-family-thrive-in-child-care?hsLang=en) ###### 2 min read [ #### Financial Assistance Transforms Child Care Experience for Family ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/financial-assistance-helps-family-thrive-in-child-care?hsLang=en) Metro Y Staff: Mar 6, 2026 When Maria Silvera’s previous child care option lacked activities, enrichment, and the extended hours she needed as a... [ ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/metro-ymca-kicks-off-2026-charge-ahead-campaign?hsLang=en) ###### 2 min read [ #### Metro YMCA Kicks Off 2026 ‘Charge Ahead’ Campaign ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/metro-ymca-kicks-off-2026-charge-ahead-campaign?hsLang=en) Mollie Shauger: Feb 10, 2026 LIVINGSTON, NJ – When Kaitlyn Ghiassi and her husband moved to New Jersey so he could begin an unpaid medical rotation,... [ ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/blog/2025/09/30/financial-assistance/second-sporting-clays-fundraiser-set-for-oct.-27?hsLang=en) ###### 1 min read [ #### Second Sporting Clays Fundraiser Set for Oct. 27 ](https://blog.metroymcas.org/metro-y/blog/2025/09/30/financial-assistance/second-sporting-clays-fundraiser-set-for-oct.-27?hsLang=en) Mollie Shaugr: Sep 30, 2025 LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a leading non-profit organization serving Bergen, Essex, and... ### METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS - - - - - - --- ## About This Content **Source:** [YMCA Day of Giving](https://metroymcas.org/ymca-day-of-giving) **Author:** sharing this page **Published:** March 6, 2026 *This content is provided for informational purposes. Please visit the original source for the most up-to-date information.*