RED BANK – The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is using 2020 to “embrace all of the virtues” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once embodied.
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has launched its ‘Togetherhood’ program that connects people from all backgrounds to carry out volunteer projects in the community. This program is a national initiative of the YMCA.
“Martin Luther King Jr. embraced giving back to the community … Instead of giving back for one day, people serving on the committee (to organize the annual Martin Luther King Day breakfast in January) decided we should embrace his virtues all year,” said Christian Buckman, chairwoman of the Togetherhood program.
Buckman said the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County serves 36,000 members and has more than 650 volunteers. She said the Togetherhood program encourages members, volunteers and the public to do good in the community.
Each month, Buckman said, the YMCA will oversee a different program or fundraising activity.
A winter clothing drive kicked off the 2020 program, Buckman said, adding that more than 75 bags of clothing were collected and donated to Lunch Break, a food pantry.
“(The YMCA) has many different partners. The (activities) were very strategically planned to help the partners we do have,” Buckman said.
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County locations may be found in Red Bank, Middletown, Shrewsbury, Freehold Township and Freehold Borough.
According to the organization’s website, “Research shows that volunteers experience wellness benefits, including lower depression, improved mood and self-esteem, less stress, better heart health and lower mortality rates.”
For a complete list of programs or to get involved in the Togetherhood program, visit ymcanj.org/togetherhood