Volunteering at the YMCA is a fun and rewarding way to support your neighbors, strengthen your community and connect with amazing people. Each year, thousands of volunteers give their time to support our mission.

In January and February, more than 150 volunteers came together to spread kindness throughout Chester County in a variety of ways. Our volunteers have helped to provide comfort to children in foster care, food to people who are homebound, care items to people experiencing homelessness and more.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers of all ages who are committed to our mission and our community. We are proud of the ways that you are making Chester County a kind place to live.
 

375 Community Donations for MLK Day of Service

On January 16, children and adults of all ages came together in service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each branch brought our mission to life in their own ways.

• At the Kennett Area, Jennersville and Brandywine YMCAs, over 40 participants donated and assembled meal kits for Meals on Wheels of Chester County. Meals on Wheels delivered our meals to people who are homebound and in need of warm meals.
• At the Oscar Lasko YMCA, children from our childcare programs learned about the importance of community service as they assembled personal care packages for people experiencing homelessness. The care packages were delivered to Safe Harbor of Chester County and left on the pillows of 25 residents.
• At the West Chester Area YMCA, 25 local students spent the day making fleece blankets for A Better Chance for our Children. Thanks to our volunteers, 35 cozy blankets will be distributed to children transitioning into foster care.
• Volunteers at the Upper Main Line and Brandywine YMCAs participated in grounds clean-up projects to enhance our properties for the benefit of all members and guests.
• Our team at Lionville commemorated the day with a pancake breakfast while constructing and christening their new Free Little Library – a free community resource.
   

Supporting the Adaptive Community

On January 21, we kicked off our Adaptive Pickleball program at the West Chester Area YMCA. Adaptive Pickleball joins a growing list of programs that are adapted to meet the needs of participants with disabilities. At the Y, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive.

We were blown away that over 30 volunteers joined us to support our Adaptative community at our kick-off. 15 families had a blast learning the ins and outs of pickleball alongside our pickleball instructors and volunteers.

And this is just the start! Look for monthly opportunities to volunteer on the pickleball courts as we grow our Adaptive Pickleball program.

Creating and Spreading Kindness

On February 1, the team at Lionville Community YMCA opened up the art studio to members and volunteers for a unique volunteer opportunity and art project – all in one!

In partnership with Ben's Bells, participants created colorful ceramic bells that will be hung around our community. Each bell symbolizes kindness and community – as many hands have worked together to create each bell. Bells are hung in various outdoor locations in hopes that community members will find the bells and take them home.

Ben’s Bells was founded by a mother who needed a dose of hope in her life after suddenly losing her son. In addition to spreading cheer throughout communities, Ben’s Bells teaches people how to make kindness part of each day by understanding the human brain and deepening awareness and compassion for self and others. Additional volunteer events for Ben's Bells happened on February 8 and 15.

Interested in future volunteer opportunities? You can sign up to be notified when a volunteer opportunity comes up this year that matches your interests. Sign up to learn about volunteering at the Y.

Volunteer Interest Form