Support the KENNETT AREA YMCA's Good Kids Campaign NOW Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, Real Estate, PA & DE

Without a doubt, the KENNETT AREA YMCA, holds a special place in my heart. I've volunteered there and worked as a yoga intstructor for more than 10 years. It was recently voted the #1 YMCA IN AMERICA - twice in two years! Very amazing

My son Ben was a camp counselor this past summer and the stories he brought home of the joy this experience brought to children of all kinds of needs and backgrounds was heartwarming

This Y is part of the Brandywine Valley Y system with wonderful facilities in West Chester, Jennersville, and Coatesville

It makes profound differences in the lives of families in our communities, and particularly with youth. The GOOD KIDS CAMPAIGN is a great way the Y supports children in the community and next week is the annual benefit dinner to raise money.

There's still time to make a donation Here are a few things the campaign supports

SO EVERY KID HAS A SAFE HAVEN Early adolescence is a critical time in a young person's life when there is increasing likelihood of unhealthy behaviors - substance abuse, peer pressure, bullying, depression, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop-out and violence. It is also during the early teen years that kids begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems. Most juvenile crimes and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sex occur between the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 pm. We can help safeguard our children through safe opportunities for social interaction and positive engaging activities. Every kid needs a safe place to go for fun and learning and the y is that place! SO EVERY KID CAN LEARN TO SWIM Ten people perish each day in the United States due to drowning. For children, 14 and under, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. Each year, 5,000 children are hospitalized due to near-drowning. Not all families can afford swim lessons, and not all families understand the importance of water safety. Every kid needs a place to learn to be safe in the water. The y is that place! SO EVERY KID IS STRONG & HEALTHY In the last 20 years, twice as many children are now overweight, and more likely to become overweight or obese adults. Obesity increases diabetes, high blood pressure, and a range of preventable health problems. The less time being active, and the more time with TV, internet and video games, the greater the health risk. Every kid needs a place to get strong and healthy. The y is that place!

Call the KENNETT AREA YMCA at 610-444-9622 or visit http://www.ymcabwv.org/donatebigkids.html