YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Launches Donation Drive to Support Homeless Students

The Eau Claire Downtown YMCA, Eau Claire South YMCA, and Chippewa Falls YMCA, in collaboration with the Eau Claire
Area School District, have launched an important initiative aimed at collecting donations of clothing and hygiene items
for students in need. This drive is part of a dedicated effort to ensure that every child has access to essential resources,
fostering academic success and well-being among the youth in our community.

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley membership branches are appealing to the generosity of community members to
contribute to the Eau Claire Area School District Closet and the Eau Claire Area School District Homeless Program. These
resources are crucial in providing support to students facing homelessness, allowing them to concentrate on their
education without the worry of unmet basic needs.

Donations of new socks and underwear, gently used clothing items, and new hygiene products can be dropped off until
March 7 at the Eau Claire Downtown YMCA, Eau Claire South YMCA, or Chippewa Falls YMCA. The items that are urgently
needed include:

• Clothing: New socks and underwear in all sizes, from Youth Small to Adult XL, along with gently used clothing for high school students, from Adult Small to Adult Extra Large.

• New Hygiene Items: Hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, lip balm, Band-Aids, pocket tissues, hair ties, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and textured hair care products.

"We understand the significant impact that fulfilling basic needs can have on a student's ability to learn and thrive,"
stated Craig Monson, Executive Director of the Eau Claire Downtown YMCA. "By collecting these essential items, we are
not only promoting their health and hygiene but also enhancing their confidence and dignity. We are fully committed to
nurturing the potential of every child, not just at the Y, but throughout our community. We trust that our community will
rise to the occasion to support this important cause."

Community members are encouraged to spread the word and participate in this donation drive. Every contribution can
make a notable difference in a child's life.

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Contact:

• Jim Ignarski, Association Public Relations & Development Director
  • 715-577-5578

About the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley
The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is a charitable organization that welcomes all people, providing programs that promote healthy
lifestyles, strong families, and positive youth development to help build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y is deeply rooted
in community and dedicated to helping individuals achieve their potential through its commitment to nurturing the potential of kids,
promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility