Volunteers Needed to Build Playground in One Day

Thanks to the City of Savannah, KaBOOM!, and the Home Depot Foundation, a brand new playground is coming to the West Broad Street YMCA! Designed by area kids, it's valued at around $100,000.... and it will be built in a single day!

The state of the art play area is intended for kids ages two to twelve. The Y is in need of volunteers to get involved in this ambitious undertaking. Tools and equipment will be provided.

KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit organization whose vision is to create a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

The playground couldn't come at a better time. After a tough couple of years, the West Broad Street Y is now back on its feet and seeing better days. Earlier this year, the facility's Executive Director, Peter Doliber announced the Y was once again in good standing with the national chapter- opening the door for more funding for programs and repairs. You may remember back in 2005 the United Way pulled it's funding from the institution- a move that threatened its national accreditation with the Y-USA.

The institution has a unique history in this community. It opened its doors in 1947, first as a USO for African-American soldiers and then as a YMCA for blacks during segregation. It is currently one of only 6 remaining heritage Y's in the country.

Recently, the facility began to offer infant to pre-K childcare and has expanded its after school programs. They are currently looking for anonymous donors to contribute to their scholarship fund for families in need.

In the coming months, look for even more exciting news! Former Globetrotters and Savannah natives, Tyrone "Hollywood" Brown and Larry "Gator" Rivers have agreed to conduct basketball clinics for area children.

For more on the West Broad Street YMCA and KaBoom!, click here: www.westbroadstreetymca.org.
If you'd like to volunteer, call: (912) 233-1951 or email: wbsymca@gmail.com

KaBOOM!
Tuesday, October 13
7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
West Broad Street YMCA
(1110 May Street)