The Y. For a better us.

WHERE BELONGING BEGINS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

Search

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

MLK Day of Service Collection Drives and Poster Contest at The Summit Area YMCA

In January, the Summit Area YMCA will pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting a collection drive. King was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement from 1955 to 1968, using tactics like nonviolence, grassroots organizing, and civil disobedience to advocate for African American rights and bring about a shift in the United States. Despite facing immense challenges and adversity, King remained committed to his principles of equality and nonviolence and was critical in addressing the issues of poverty and international conflict. King’s commitment to equality and nonviolence, and his pursuit of a more fair and compassionate society for all, continue to inspire contemporary social justice efforts to this day.

By coming together and supporting one another, we can help to heal divides and find common ground. At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe in the transformative power of giving back and strengthening our community. As a cause-driven organization, we are dedicated to promoting social responsibility and actively reaching out to our community to make a positive impact.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you have the opportunity to contribute to our annual MLK Jr. Day of Service Food, Coat, and Supplies Collection Drive, or to take the next step and become a volunteer. By participating in these efforts, you can make a meaningful difference in your community and embody the principles of social responsibility that we hold dear.


mlk coat & Food drive

As we welcome the new year, it is important to remember to give back to our communities and those in need. The Summit Area YMCA is hosting a food drive at the BH and SU locations until January 15, and volunteers will be working hard to ensure that the food is properly sorted, packed, and distributed to families in need by Patty on Tuesday. In addition to this, the YMCA is also hosting its annual MLK Day Coat Drive in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. They are accepting coat donations for those in need until January 15 at 12 pm, and all coats will be donated to a local non-profit.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, especially during the colder winter months. By giving back and helping those in need, we can all play a small part in creating a more compassionate and caring society.

Items Needed For Food Drive:

  • Boxed Milk
  • Canned Stew
  • Canned Soup
  • Bags of Rice
  • Bags of Dried
  • Beans
  • Canned
  • Vegetables
  • Boxed Cereal
  • Instant Oatmeal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jars of Jelly
  • Canned Fruits
  • Pancake Mix
  • Syrup
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Cooking Oils
  • Ready to Eat
  • Canned Meals
  • Recycled Bags(Gently Used)

 

MLK COAT & FOOD DRIVE
Date: Coat Drive 12/15-1/15
Location: Berkeley Heights YMCA & Summit YMCA
How: There will be drop-off collection boxes located in the lobbies at both branches and donations are open to the public. 

HOURS & Directions

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA

SUMMIT YMCA


mlk TEEN POSTER COMPETITION

Join us in commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a poster competition for teens. This creative challenge invites teenagers to express their interpretations of Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and unity. Digital submissions can be emailed to trevor.cromwell@thesay.org, and physical illustrations can be dropped off at the Summit YMCA.

Students who participate will earn one hour of community service.

Submissions open until January 11.


the learning circle YMCA personal care drive

The Learning Circle YMCA will be hosting a personal care drive for the housing residents of the YMCA of Newark and vicinity areas. The drive, which will run from Monday, January 8 through Monday, January 15, aims to collect essential items for those who need it most. The children of the Learning Circle YMCA will be working together to sort the donated items and create cards and tags to go along with the donations. The personal care drive is an important initiative that will help to provide necessary items for those in need within the community.

If you are able to contribute, please consider donating any of the listed items during the specified time period. Your generosity and kindness can make a big difference in the lives of the housing residents at the YMCA of Newark and surrounding vicinity.

Items Needed:

• Socks
• Flip flops
• Shower curtains
• Soap
• Lotion
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• Dental care items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Masks
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• First aid supplies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA SUPPLIES COLLECTION DRIVE
Date: January 8 – 15
Location: The Learning Circle YMCA
How: There will be drop-off collection boxes at the front and back entrance of The Learning Circle YMCA. 

HOURS & DIRECTIONS

The Learning Circle YMCA


Volunteer

As a volunteer-led organization, our volunteers play a vital role in this mission, serving as advocates for a brighter future and helping to uplift those in need. We rely on their dedication and compassion to make a positive impact and view them as shining examples of social responsibility.

On Monday, January 15, we are looking for volunteers to help us sort through all the donations and get them organized and ready for distribution to those who need them most. We hope to see you there! 

Timeslots Available

Food Volunteers

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Berkeley Heights YMCA

VOLUNTEER

Coat Volunteers

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at Summit YMCA

VOLUNTEER


Questions? Contact:

 

Tiffany Escott

Mission Advancement and Development Director
SUMMIT AREA YMCA

tiffany.escott@thesay.org
(908) 464-8373

 

 


Questions? Contact:

 

Trevor Cromwell

Senior Youth & Teen Coordinator
SUMMIT YMCA

trevor.cromwell@thesay.org
(908 )273-3330  

 

 


SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

YMCA NEWS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y; an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

Please note that the Hurst Pool at the Summit YMCA will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024 and will reopen on Monday, April 8, 2024 due to regularly scheduled maintenance. Group Ex Pro will reflect amended aquatics schedules.