AUBURN – The Auburn-Lewiston YMCA will hold its “Building Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign” during May. Volunteers have accepted the challenge to raise $40,000 to help the YMCA continue to provide programs to families, send kids to camp and make sure kids have a place to grow.

Board President Beth Shea said, “The YMCA is the hub for teens and youth in this community. We serve over 3,000 children under the age of 18 and are always striving to expand our services to them. Last year our YMCA provided more than $70,000 in aid to deserving youth and their families in this community. We ask that you be generous when a YMCA volunteer contacts you.”

Jim Lawler, YMCA executive director, added, “Demand for scholarship services grows every year. In order to keep pace, we need to reach out to our community and ask for their support. Their generosity will allow more children to continue to participate in the YMCA programs and membership activities and help us to meet our mission.”

Associate director Dave Thompson explained how the funds raised will be allocated. “A successful campaign will allow 15 kids to spend a week at summer camp, 20 kids to become members of the YMCA, 40 kids to attend before- and after-school care, 40 kids to attend all-day child care and 20 teens to have a fitness membership.”

The YMCA is aware that many families and youth who need YMCA programs cannot afford to pay the fees. Financial assistance provided through the “Building Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign” will make it possible for more community members to gain the benefit of participation in YMCA programs.

For more information on the campaign, contact Thompson at 795-4095, ext. 215, or e-mail [email protected]. For more information on any of the YMCA programs, stop by the facility at 62 Turner St., call or visit the web at www.alymca.com.