YMCA OF DELAWARE LAUNCHES 2025 CANNED FOOD & CLOTHING DRIVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED
Food & Clothing Drive runs from November 3 – 21 at all YMCA locations statewide.
Wilmington, Delaware – The YMCA of Delaware is calling on the community to come together this fall to support families in need through its annual Canned Food and Clothing Drive, running from November 3 through November 21 at all Y locations statewide.
Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and winter clothing to help neighbors facing hunger and hardship as colder months approach. Donations will benefit local organizations that provide essential resources to Delawareans, including the Y Mission Market at the Central YMCA and local partner agencies.
This Year’s Drive Comes Amid a Growing Need
This year’s food and clothing drive comes at a pivotal moment for families across Delaware. Due to the ongoing Federal Government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has notified states that the continuation of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits is uncertain as of November 1.
Locally, the Y Mission Market has already felt the strain, recently running out of food that many downtown Wilmington residents rely on. The YMCA of Delaware is calling on the community to help restock shelves and ensure no one goes hungry during this period of uncertainty.
“In times like these, the YMCA of Delaware is stepping up to help,” said Jarrett Royster, President & CEO of the YMCA of Delaware. “When our community faces uncertainty, the Y answers the call. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this season.”
How to Participate
As part of this community initiative, the YMCA of Delaware is collecting:
- Nonperishable Food: Pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, canned tuna, soups, and other shelf-stable items.
- Winter Clothing: Coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and other cold-weather essentials.
Added Incentives to Give
To thank participants for their generosity, the Y is offering special promotions:
- YMCA Members: Donate five or more items and be entered into a raffle for a free one-year YMCA membership.
- Non-Members: Donate five or more items and have your joiner fee waived (up to $100) when you join during the drive.
- New Members Who Join During the Drive: Will also be entered into the membership raffle.
Donation Locations
All YMCA of Delaware branches are collecting items during regular operating hours:
- Bear-Glasgow YMCA – 351 George Williams Way, Newark, DE 19702
- Brandywine YMCA – 3 Mount Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
- Central YMCA – 501 West 11th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Dover YMCA – 1137 South State Street, Dover, DE 19901
- Middletown Family YMCA – 202 E. Cochran Street, Middletown, DE 19709
- Sussex Family YMCA – 20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Walnut Street YMCA – 1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Western Family YMCA – 2600 Capitol Trail, Newark, DE 19711
A Call to Action
In the face of the federal funding crisis, community generosity matters more than ever. Donations collected through the YMCA’s drive will directly support local families, seniors, and children who may be affected by the potential lapse in SNAP benefits.
“Together, we can fill the gap,” said Jarrett Royster. “Every can, coat, and contribution helps make sure our neighbors have what they need this winter.”
For more on the Canned Food & Clothing Drive, visit our events listing here.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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