MLK Day of Service Collection Drives

COAT DRIVE

As we welcome the new year, it is important to remember to give back to our communities and those in need. We are hosting a coat drive at the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA until Monday, January 20 at 12:00 PM. In addition to this, we are accepting toiletry donations for those in need as well, with everything 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.

Toiletries Needed:

  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Deodorant
  • Bar soap or body wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner (both travel and full sizes)
  • Combs and hairbrushes
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • And more.

MLK COAT DRIVE
Date: Coat Drive 12/15-1/20
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. 

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA SUMMIT YMCA

FOOD DRIVE

Additionally, we are hosting a food drive at the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA until Sunday, January 19 at 12:00 PM. Make a difference today!

Items Needed:

  • Boxed Milk
  • Spaghetti Noodles
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Assorted Spices
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Crackers
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jelly
  • Tea Bags
  • Coffee
  • Canned Fruits
  • Pancake Mix
  • Pancake Syrup
  • Cooking Oils
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Chicken Broth
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Dish Soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes

MLK FOOD DRIVE
Date: 12/15-1/19
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. 

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA SUMMIT YMCA

TEEN CENTER ACTIVITIES

On Monday, January 20, join us in commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through fun activities for teens.

ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

Martin Luther King Jr 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.

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 section of Maple Street closest to the Summit YMCA will be closed from approximately 7 AM to 11 AM on Sunday, May 5, for our Mother’s Day 5K. Please use Cedar Street to access the public lot that is next to our building.