The YMCA of the Blue Water Area is helping kids start the school year off with a program called Back to School, Back to you promotion. Executive Director of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area Denise Brooks said donors can bring in new or gently used school clothing for a child or teen to the YMCA between now and September 30th. You are then welcome to “pay the day” and join the Y for that month. For instance if you donate clothing on September 12th, you pay $12 to join. Brooks said they end up with a lot of clothing donations that are then taken to Kids in Distress Services, Inc. KIDS has a referral system with local health and human service organizations, and provides a week’s worth of clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to the most fragile at-risk population. Denise also said the YMCA enjoys doing the program, and that it helps to make kids feel respected and valued.
