Naugatuck YMCA kicks off campaign

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NAUGATUCK — Teams scattered across the Naugatuck YMCA’s gym last week competed against each other to build the highest balloon tower and to stack cups without touching them.

However, it wasn’t a summer camp or after school program. Rather, the competitions kicked off the YMCA’s annual campaign, an eight-week push to raise $47,000 for the organization.

The money raised during the campaign will support the YMCA’s financial assistance and summer camp programs.

“Any family that comes in and are in need and want to take swim lessons, this is how we get our funds to help subsidize that for them,” Naugatuck YMCA Director of Operations Sherri Beck said.

Emily Saunders, who is co-chairing the campaign with Roger Ames, said the money raised will give more people access to the YMCA.

“That basically allows everybody in the Naugatuck area to come, whether they can really afford it or not,” Saunders said.

Saunders said the YMCA aims to serve as many people in the community as possible.

“The Y serves everybody in the community, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. From people who have disabilities to people who are absolutely fine and healthy. It welcomes everybody,” Saunders said.

Naugatuck YMCA CEO Susan Talbot said the YMCA offers a variety of programs for all people, including a cancer survivor program, a youth triathlon program, active older adult programs and LGBTQ support groups.

“No one can walk in here and not find something that would help them improve their life and improve the lives in the community, too,” Talbot said.

The campaign is off to a strong start — $19,000 was raised before the April 23 kickoff event —   and Talbot’s confident the YMCA will hit its goal.

“We have an unbelievably supportive community around us and a lot of benefactors around us that understand the importance of what we do in the community. So, I don’t think there is going to be a problem,” Talbot said.

Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the Naugatuck YMCA, 284 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770. Donations can also be made online at www.naugatuckymca.org.