The YMCA turns to help community during pandemic, locally and statewide

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Since the YMCA’s closed its doors to members, it has quickly pivoted to the needs of the community during the pandemic.

The main targets are children, food distribution, senior outreach, and exercise.

Marketing Director Sarah Gibbs said the Y has provided childcare at both facilities, and has partnered with New Hanover County Schools to deliver a thousand meals to students everyday.

Gibbs said so far, they have fed more than 50,000 mouths.

She stated that they are use to having to adapt and respond in hard times.

“This is nothing that’s strange to our community. We’ve always been here listening and responding to kind of the most pressing needs in our community,” Gibbs said. “Covid-19 was just another one of those crisis’ where we were able to kind of pivot our focus, and serve the community needs, whatever that might be.”

The Y has also been working with the senior center as a pickup location for meals.

Gibbs said statewide, all Y’s are doing different innitiatives depending on what their needs are.