COUNTY — After the recent deadly storms that ravaged the Southeast, the Pickens County YMCA is working to help a sister YMCA in need.
The Tuscaloosa Metropolitan YMCA in Tuscaloosa, Ala., lost four of its after-school care sites following the devastating tornados that hit Alabama with such force.
Nearly 50 of the Tuscaloosa YMCA’s after-school care children and their families are homeless, and many other children had family members who were killed in the tornados.
More than 5,000 homes in the area around the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan YMCA have been destroyed or incredibly damaged.
In an effort to help their YMCA family in Alabama, the Pickens County Y is collecting the following items:
Afterschool Program Needs: Everything to set up four after-school care sites. Scissors, crayons, paper, glue, first aid, games, etc.
Sports Program Equipment: Bats/Baseballs/Gloves, Soccer Balls, Volleyballs, Basketballs, etc. Many children have lost everything so they can no longer play in their favorite sports, which would help them cope and begin healing from the devastation they have been through.
Clothing: New underwear, T-shirts, socks for first, second and third grade boys and girls.
Gas Cards: The Y has to drive much farther than usual because of blocked roads and debris to pick up children and to get to other afterschool sites. Even $10 gas cards are greatly appreciated.
Walmart Gift Cards: The Y is giving these to afterschool children’s families and members who have lost everything. Any amount will be appreciated.
If you would like to donate to the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan YMCA’s children’s programs and families, please bring donated items by Friday, May 20, to the Pickens County YMCA’s Corporate Office at 101 Burns Road in Easley.
Donations of gas cards or Walmart gift cards can be mailed to the Pickens County YMCA at 201 Burns Road, Easley SC 29642, until July 31. Staff members will mail them weekly to the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan YMCA to distribute to families in need.