YMCA's Day of Giving announced

The day's focus on giving helps YMCA continue its ongoing mission to support local communities.

This year, the day is being held on March 7, officials with the YMCA of the Inland Northwest said.

The YMCA Day of Giving is an annual one-day giving event that provides an opportunity for residents to give to their local YMCA.

“The Spokane and Bonner County communities always step up when there is a need, and we are hopeful for a big response this year," said Alan Lesher, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Inland Northwest.

The day helps YMCA officials and programs help those who need help and a safe place to go, Lesher said.

"All funds raised on the Day of Giving ensure those in greatest need find a safe, welcoming place for families to play, those seeking improved health, well-being, community and belonging can find their Y, and programs continue to support youth, teens, families and seniors locally each year."

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, Lesher said. People can visit any YMCA of the Inland Northwest branch on March 7 to learn more and donate in person. Donations can also be made online at ymcainw.org/donate.

YMCA Day of Giving began in 2015 to meet the growing needs in communities across the nation where the organization can be found. In 2022, this national one-day giving event raised over $950,000 and since its inception, has raised over $2.95 million in charitable gifts to support local YMCAs to strengthen their communities throughout the country, YMCA officials said.

"This year the YMCA looks forward to the continued support our communities have provided over the nearly 140 years we’ve operated in the region as we continue to help those in need throughout the Spokane and Sandpoint areas," Lesher said. "Over 50,000 people visit YMCA branches and participate in YMCA programs locally each year."

Donations on the YMCA’s Day of Giving stay local within each individual YMCA association and their local communities throughout the country.

Through the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, YMCA officials said. Regardless of age, income, or background – we nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

Anchored in Spokane and the surrounding community — including Sandpoint — for nearly 140 years, the YMCA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

Information: ymcainw.org