In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Spring Valley YMCA in Royersford is asking for donations to support its Ability programming for youth with special needs.

The YMCA serves the local special needs community with a deep roster of programs aimed at keeping them healthy, active, and connected to the community, including:

• Ability Swim Lessons, which teaches approximately 300 young people annually to safely enjoy aquatics
• Shooting Stars, a basketball-focused program offered free of charge to more than 40 participants, ages 6-21
• The STEP Program, which supports 16-21-year-olds with special needs to volunteer at the Y and develop critical life and employment skills (previous participants are now proud members of the Y team)
• Monthly Wellness programs, in partnership with the Spring-Ford School District, for special needs youth in grades 7 and 8
• A partnership with the Special Olympics PA Power Lifting team, helping its athletes prepare for competitions. 

“We’re enormously proud of our history of serving the special needs community — and we’re hoping to be able to do much more,” said Katie Koch, Executive Director of the Spring Valley YMCA. “Our goal is to expand or reignite programs that further our impact. These programs often require specially trained staff and additional manpower. In short, additional funding, including from community donations, can help the Spring Valley YMCA do a whole lot more.”

The Spring Valley YMCA is encouraging donations, both in-house and online, all day on Nov. 29. Those interested in contributing can do so in-person at the YMCA, or by Venmo.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA serves more than 150,000 individuals each year — regardless of age, income, or background — across 15 branches located in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Pike, Burlington, and Camden counties. Learn more about the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.