North Georgia YMCA needs community volunteers

North Georgia YMCA Executive Director John Donahoo, of Ringgold, is looking to recruit volunteers through the ongoing "Be the Y" campaign.

"It's really to raise awareness about the YMCA as a volunteer organization, especially in North Georgia," he said. "Throughout the month of November we tell the community the Y is a place to volunteer."

Donahoo is looking for volunteers to work with either children or adults. Those interested need to sign up by Dec. 8.

"We are looking for volunteers of any age [from 16 up]," he said. "We also welcome people that would like to be an advocate to the Y by spreading what the Y does in their community. It's really a community effort. The Y is a volunteer organization with programs year-round supported by volunteer efforts."

For example, the Y offers a senior fitness program and an after-school program.

"We need people to help support our educational enrichment after-school program," said Donahoo. "We need people to just be a role model to kids. We need people to help with our youth sports programs too."

One example is the Sunshine Sports program, which runs year-round for special needs players. The program is currently enrolling players ages 6 to 21. YMCA winter sports volunteers are also holding enrollment for youth basketball and indoor soccer players ages 3 to 15.

Donahoo said local residents could help the Y by simply providing feedback on how the organization could better serve the community. Help is also needed in planning events.

"Annually we look for 200 volunteers," said Donahoo. "We are in need of 50 more volunteers year-round. We can provide a volunteer experience for any interest the volunteer has. They can give of their time, input and be an advocate."

Everyone interested must complete and pass a criminal background check in order to volunteer. Accepted volunteers then fill out an application that is kept on file.

To learn more about volunteering with the North Georgia YMCA call 706-935-2226. To learn more about the North Georgia Y visit www.ymcachattanooga.org/north-georgia.

Join in

The North Georgia YMCA Sunshine Exceptional Needs Program is having a Holiday Dance Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m. inside Fort Oglethorpe United Methodist Church. Volunteers are needed to assist with the dance.

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