YMCA announces second year of 'Togetherhood' team projects

YMCA Buffalo Niagara has announced its volunteer projects for the 2016 "Togetherhood" season.

"Togetherhood" is a volunteer initiative launched by YMCA Buffalo Niagara in 2014. Many know the Y as a place to swim or exercise, but at its core, the Y is a charity dedicated to strengthening community. By offering opportunities to volunteer, the Y strives to help people serve their communities and bring about meaningful, lasting change.

"Togetherhood" empowers Y members (and non members alike) to lead and participate in volunteer service projects in the community, giving people from all walks of life the chance to address the social issues impacting the community. The results can be transformational, not only for the communities, but for the volunteers themselves.

Projects slated for 2016 include:

• Assisting homeless families through the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg (February/March)
• An environmental cleanup with Reinstein Woods (May 7)
• Volunteering at Ride for Roswell (June 24-25)
• Cooking for Kids at the Ronald McDonald House (August)
• Volunteering for Wings - Flights of Hope (TBD/September)
• Packing bags for Food 2 Families and collecting donations for the Food Bank of WNY (November)

Full details can be found on the YMCA website at www.ymcabn.org. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Kathy Romanowski, communications director for YMCA Buffalo Niagara, at [email protected].

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at the Southtowns YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca. One need not be in attendance to volunteer.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA's focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered for all ages and abilities. Additionally collaborations with insurance carriers such as Univera, Independent Health, and BlueCross BlueShield provide the opportunity for those wanting to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle to do so at the YMCA.

A not-for-profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 100,000 people annually through the seven branches located throughout Western New York, YMCA Camp Weona, as well as at over 40 community-based program sites.

For more information, visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.