As part of Character Development
month, the YMCA Food
Drive, in partnership with Move For Hunger, benefited
Feeding America San Diego, the largest distributor of donated food in San Diego County. Members and participants of several local Ys came together to collect unopened, non-perishable food items to
distribute to the needy. During October, collection boxes were conveniently
located at nine Y locations throughout San Diego County. Together, we donated a total
of 1101 lbs. of food, the equivalent of 1409 meals for San Diego County
residents in need.
Feeding America San Diego plays an
important part in the fight against hunger in San Diego County. Working with 175+ partner agencies
including the Y, Feeding America San Diego is able to help feed approximately
73,000 families, kids and seniors each week. The Center on Policy Initiatives
and United
Way of San
Diego recently released a report that showed 3 in 10
households in the County don't earn enough to make ends meet. When people are
faced with such economic hardship, food is often one of the first things that is
minimized.
Each October, thousands of
children and their families all across the county are engaged and focused on the
YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility as all branches
celebrate Character Development Month. Through a special grant and partnership
with the Sempra Energy Foundation, we dedicate the month to challenging
others to accept and demonstrate the values through a variety of programs and
activities. Character Development Month has been celebrated by the Y for the
past 10+ years. Its purpose is to highlight our year-round focus on
teaching and demonstrating core values in our programs.
The Four Values of the
Y:
Caring
Show a sincere concern for
others
Honesty
Be truthful in what you say and
do
Respect
Follow the golden
rule
Responsibility
Be accountable for your promises
and actions