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The SKY Family YMCA Transitions to Support Medical Staff and Meet Community Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic

YMCA offering childcare to first responders and essential personnel, meals to kids, virtual fitness options as well as hosting blood drives.

Fort Myers, Florida (March 25, 2020) – We are in unprecedented times. We are confronting a new enemy that threatens our health and our peace of mind. We could despair, panic, or we can respond. The well-being of members, staff, volunteers, and our community is our priority, we are adjusting, as advised by public officials and responding to growing needs.
“Because of the evolving rules governing the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of school closures, and the growing demand on medical professionals, we have transitioned our Y facilities to support doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical staff to caring for their children during this crisis,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “We want to make sure medical professionals in our community don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time.”
Therefore, effective, March 23rd, the Y transitioned their focus on offering school-days-out childcare and youth camps for working families and hospital workers: Fort Myers and Bonita Springs YMCAs.
Also, amid school closures related to COVID-19, The SKY Family YMCA is providing free Grab & Go meals to children ages 5-18 to ensure kids have uninterrupted access to healthy and nutritious foods. The SKY Family YMCA will help keep children healthy and well-nourished by providing free meals for kids while adhering to the social distance guidance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Families can pick up their child’s free Grab & Go lunch at The Fort Myers YMCA at these times:  • Weekdays 9am-11am
Throughout SKY Family YMCA locations, group exercise classes, sports, senior activities, Kids’ Club, team practices, youth programs, and swim lessons are temporarily suspended. However, virtual fitness opportunities are available and easily accessed via local SKY Family YMCA social media pages to ensure individuals can stay healthy and active while facilities are closed. Blood drives are also scheduled at SKY Family YMCA locations across Southwest Florida to address the critical blood shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Y is so much more than fitness centers and gyms, pools and locker rooms; we are a cause! Dedicated to strengthening and protecting the spirits, minds, and bodies of our friends and communities,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “The doors may be locked, but as the Y we continue to serve.”
About the YMCA
The SKY Family YMCA is one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is dedicated to helping people achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. Branches offer quality time for families to be together, resources for parents, and a variety of opportunities for seniors to be active. The YMCA ensures these opportunities are available to everyone no matter their ability to pay with generous support from community partners and donors. For more information about the Y, visit www.ymca.net

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