As the YMCA of Greater Brandywine prepares to open learning centers for students attending school virtually this fall, donations are being requested to help outfit the more than 20 classrooms being created at seven YGBW branch locations across Chester County.

YGBW’s learning centers, available for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, are providing full-day care from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Monday-Friday, with the option for after care until 6 PM. Dedicated academic support, social enrichment opportunities, and physical fitness activities are all integral to YGBW’s program.

“We are thrilled to be opening these learning centers for families in our community who have told us it’s nearly impossible to work while trying to help their children with virtual learning,” said Denise Day, President and CEO of YGBW. “But it comes with over $50,000 of added costs that we did not know to plan for when developing our 2020 budget last year.

“Furthermore, the impact COVID has had on us has been great. Our expected revenue has been reduced by more than 40 percent due to COVID and the state-mandated closure; and we’re hoping our community can help us create a great experience for the kids in our program.”

More than $2,500 is needed to outfit one learning center classroom with the necessary supplies and enhanced technology. Donations of any size will be used for school supplies, tables and desks, refrigerators for students’ lunches, IT needs, and safety equipment such as plastic dividers for use between desks. Specific needs include:

• Sponsor a classroom: $2,500
• Outfit a classroom (tables, dividers, mini-fridge): $500
• Sponsor a child to attend a learning center: $225 per week
• Craft and recreation supplies for a class: $150
• Sponsor a child: $75 (headphones and school supplies)

As a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Chester County, YGBW offers financial assistance for its programs, including its learning centers, to ensure no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. YGBW has been raising funds to expand financial assistance for its learning centers.

“Just like we didn’t know to plan for these expenses when we wrote our budget last year, families also were not prepared to pay for care during the school year for their school-age children,” said Day.

More than 300 children in our community are expected to enroll in YGBW learning centers.

Click here for more information on YGBW’s learning centers or to make a donation.

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