Parishioners at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church sponsored 16 children in the Northumberland Family YMCA Bright Beginnings program this year.
“The YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program engages the community directly with our young parents and children,” said rector, the Rev. Pilar Parnell. “What a joy it is to be able to help in this way!”
Each year, the YMCA raises money for families in need by providing school supplies, a backpack and clothing for children grades K-5. Each child who enters the program gets partnered with a “shopping buddy” volunteer and together they purchase school clothing and shoes paid for through sponsorships, such as the ones provided by St. Stephen’s.
“We try to ensure these little ones have the resources they need to start their school year off right,” said center executive Allison Cockrell. “We can’t do it without community support, for which we are most grateful. And, every penny we receive stays here locally to help our kids.”
YMCAs across the country participate in the Bright Beginnings program, which began in 2003.
“Just in our region, over 10,000 children have been helped since…
