Local Y is providing funds for less fortunate
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK- The YMCAis running a "Strong Kids Campaign" to allow disadvantaged people the opportunity to use their facilities, even if they may not have enough money to do so.

"It's an annual support campaign, done each year in the first quarter," said Tom Libassi, director of the township's YMCA. "The goal is to raise $50,000 for scholarships to provide every kid and adult an opportunity to use the Y that might not otherwise be able to.We don't turn anybody away because of an inability to pay."

The programhas existed since 1996 and is an independent program. This means that the local YMCA is responsible for getting donations to support their programs. Everyone on the board of directors at the YMCA made a donation this year and 79 percent of its employees gave money to the program.

Libassi said that the amount of money given to each person is based on a sliding scale, but that they do not turn anybody away.

"It's based on income and tax information," he said.

Last year, 118 people were assisted through the program, from infants to seniors.

According to a Case for Support done by the township's YMCA, the main benefits of the facilities are that they help develop confident children, teach children good values, support families, prevent critical social problems, help all individuals and reach out to teens.