[Elkins, WV], (January 4, 2021) – The Elkins-Randolph County YMCA is
launching its annual fundraising campaign today to help ensure that the region continues to have access to vital community resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

“Throughout our community, countless people know and depend on the Y, but we’re so much more than many people realize,” said Sid Gillispie, executive director. “In addition to being the place children learn to swim or adults go for their daily workout, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, improving the community’s health and well-being, and providing support to our neighbors—all to create a better us.”

“Our focus this past year has been to keep our doors open, so that members have a safe space to help maintain a healthy routine. While the way we have interacted with each other has been different, the Y has remained a place to connect with people and improve your health and wellness,” said Gillispie.

YMCA’s across the country have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with some shutting their doors permanently. The Elkins Y has relied on PPP funding and an emergency loan from the SBA to maintain its operations.

“The Y has been the community center for Elkins and the surrounding area since it was first established in 1903,” said Gillispie. “Our board of directors is very aware of the importance to the community of securing the Y for future generations. Our regular program and membership income has been significantly reduced given peoples’ concern over the virus and the restrictions in place on our programming. We understand that many families are making tough financial decisions during this time and we are asking businesses and individuals that are able to help, to support the Y this year.”

Citizens Bank of West Virginia has been one of the first organizations to respond to this call with a generous $20,000.00 donation to kickstart the 2021 campaign. “Citizens Bank of West Virginia is our downtown neighbor and has a long history of not only supporting the Y, but many community organizations over the years,” said Gillispie. “We’re so grateful to them not only for the difference they’ve made in the Y facility, but also for their investment and commitment to improving downtown Elkins.”

“Elkins is fortunate and unique to have a YMCA,” said Citizens Bank of West Virginia President & CEO Nathaniel S. Bonnell. “So many people in our area have great YMCA stories or experiences from their childhood and go on to use their programs over a lifetime. It’s an important place in our community to keep everyone living a healthy and active life, and that’s only the beginning of what they do. COVID-19 has unfortunately created an extraordinary financial burden on the YMCA. We hope these funds can help provide some relief they need to continue to weather this pandemic and carry on their mission.”

For more information about the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA or to donate, please contact the Y at 304-636-4515 or [email protected], or visit www.elkinsymca.com.