By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
Three hundred children participated in the YMCA's youth sports and summer camp programs this past year - and all benefited from contributions to the United Fund.
YMCA uses the money it receives from United Fund, an umbrella fund-raising organization for 14 area agencies, to help pay for its youth sports and summer camp activities.
While much of the money helps subsidize the cost for families who cannot afford fees, everyone benefits from the funds, YMCA Director Dan Shaddock said.
And the benefits of the programs for area children are important, he said.
YMCA pledges that no one will be turned away from its programs due to an inability to pay, so the United Fund money helps pay the fees and membership costs for families who cannot afford it. Youth sports at the YMCA include basketball, T-ball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and flag football.
The United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton is currently in its fall campaign to raise money for 14 area agencies, including YMCA. Other agencies serve seniors, youth and others in need throughout the community.
Anyone interested in donating to United Fund can call board president Sandy English at English Realty at 867-2289 or mail donations to United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton, P.O. Box 34, Brewton, AL 36427. Pledge cards will also be available at English Realty.
United Fund's goal this year is $90,000.