The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential through resources necessary to grow and thrive.
As our community begins to recover from the setbacks of the pandemic, the Y needs your support more than ever. Together with you and your neighbors, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities. Find ways to get involved and take action through YMCA Community Drives, which you can support at any time!
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Help a family in need by providing a full belly and heart, through a Thanksgiving meal.
Angel Tree Gift Drive
Each year, the Gateway Region Y hosts a holiday drive known as the Angel Tree Gift Drive that collects donations from October to early December. It is through the generosity of those who contribute to this drive that the Y can brighten the holiday season of youth and families throughout the St. Louis and Southwest Illinois regions.
School Supply Drive
Each year, the Y supplies backpacks full of supplies for children in communities across the Gateway Region, filling them with hope for a brighter future as they start the school year.
YMCA Annual Campaign - Support the Y as a Nonprofit
For over 167 years, the Gateway Region YMCA has served our community, adapting to meet changing needs. The Y works hard to tackle important needs such as teaching our kids how to be safe around water, keeping our seniors active and engaged, and offering educational programming for all ages. The Y ensures connections, impact and a sense of belonging happen beyond our buildings.
YMCA World Service
YMCAs around the world continue to respond to the most pressing needs of vulnerable communities by offering shelter, distributing food and supplies, checking people’s wellbeing, and organizing emergency programs. See how you can support youth and families across the globe!
2020-2021 Impact Stats
2,658 Summer Meals
Over 2,600 meals and 3,000 pounds of food was collected by our Summer Campers to help other youth in need stay fed over the summer.
496 Backpacks
Almost 500 backpacks full of school supplies were donated and supplied to local school children to prepare them for the year.
457 Thanksgiving Meals
Approximately 450 families received food needed to share a special Thanksgiving Meal.
1,257 Christmas Gifts
Over 1,257 individual Christmas gifts were donated along with $7,600 to ensure local children had a very special Christmas morning.
224 Emergency Schools Out Participants
Our Y provided emergency schools out care for over 220 youth with parents who were emergency frontline personnel during the pandemic.
12,000 Wellness Checks on Seniors
Throughout the pandemic, when feelings of isolation was at an all-time high, over 12,000 seniors were called with a wellness check.
2,500 Hours of Virtual Engagement
Over 2,500 hours of virtual live and engagement opportunities were provided.
135 Pints of Blood
135 pints of blood were donated through American Red Cross blood drives.
Our Opportunity: Healthy Kids
For 167 years, our community has looked to the Y to do extraordinary things in uncertain times. With your help, our Y can focus on what we do best and where we’re needed most - building healthy kids and supporting healthy communities.