Greater Somerset County YMCA STORM Swim Team Spearheads Impactful Donation Drive
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, March 12, 2024 – Greater Somerset County YMCA STORM swim team spearheaded an impactful donation drive, collecting gently used swim gear for disadvantaged swimmers. Collection boxes were placed at the Welcome Centers of all Greater Somerset County YMCA locations, including Bridgewater, Franklin Twp, Hillsborough, Princeton, Somerset Hills, and Somerville YMCAs.
The team collected a variety of swim gear including goggles, hand paddles, kickboards, pull buoys, mesh bags, swim bags, snorkels, Crocs, and clothing. The collection totaled: 13 pairs of fins, 21 pairs of goggles, 4 replacement straps, 6 bags of goggle bridges, 3 pairs of paddles, 5 swim bags, 8 water bottles, 3 snorkels, 2 buoys, a mesh bag, kickboard, and timer. Additionally, 14 swim caps, 7 towel pants, 2 towels, 2 pairs of Crocs, a pair of slides, and 25 bathing suits (17 for boys, 8 for girls) were collected.
These items will be donated to The Pocono Family YMCA in Stroudsburg, PA, helping disadvantaged families in the aquatics program and the Piranhas Competitive Swim Team for middle and high school swimmers.
Organized by STORM swimmer Joe Cridge and his mother Jennifer, as part of Joe’s Confirmation preparations this spring, he took up a service project challenge from his church. Inspired by his shared passion for swimming with his Confirmation Sponsor, Mrs. Lara Minakas, Joe recognized that swimming is an expensive sport, requiring new sized items each year and decided to make a difference.
Joe expressed his desire for the initiative to become an annual tradition at the Y, ensuring more children can experience the joys of competitive swimming.
For more information on Greater Somerset County YMCA’s STORM swimming and how to get involved, visit https://www.gscymca.org/programs/aquatics/swim-teams/.
###
About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
IN THE NEWS: