Nikki tells us that this is the first year that Tonesha didn’t dread going to school. In fact, she couldn’t wait! For the first time ever, she would arrive to class with a big smile on her face and her head held high. Thanks to a generous family who had taken her shopping, the youngster would wear a brand new outfit and a back pack brimming with school supplies, all selected with care and packaged with love.

This is the story of thousands of children who have experienced the joy of YMCA Bright Beginnings, a program that helps send children, from low-income families, back to school with confidence and pride.

“It all began in 1992 while I was shopping for my own children’s back-to-school needs,” Mary Theobald recalls. “I wondered about those who didn’t have the same financial resources and decided to help another family. I called Bev Jennette (former YMCA Vice President of Community Development) and she ran with the idea. Never did I think it would amount to more, but in a short time, the YMCA turned that small idea into a Richmond tradition.”

In 2009, YMCA Bright Beginnings will have helped more than 25,000 children in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg areas. Each summer, YMCA branches coalesce the support of schools, churches, caring members of the community and civic-minded organizations from the public and private sectors to provide thousands of children an experience that so many take for granted – arriving to the first day of school with clothes that fit, shoes without holes and all the required school supplies in a fresh backpack.

“It reminds us that one person with a great idea can make a difference to so many,” says Bev.

“It’s great to know that you helped a child start school with everything he needs,” adds Mary. “You may not be able to change the world, but you can make a difference…one child at a time!”

To make a secure online donation to YMCA Bright Beginnings, click the Donate Now button and select the YMCA Bright Beginnings campaign in the drop down menu on the donation form.  If you would like your gift to serve children from a specific YMCA’s community, select that branch after selecting the campaign.

* You may also mail your gift to:
YMCA of Greater Richmond
2 W. Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Attention: Financial Development Department

* If you would like your gift to serve a specific community,
please designate on the check the YMCA branch to which it applies.

For remit instructions to mail with your gift, you may download the PDF below:
 YMCA Bright Beginnings Remit Instructions

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS