Information provided by Central Coast YMCA. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

This holiday season, the YMCA of San Benito County is honored to once again join the 13th Annual “12 Days of Giving” campaign. Every year, this community effort brings together key nonprofits that provide vital services to help community members who are most in need. This year, the five participating nonprofits are: CASA of San Benito County, Community Food Bank of San Benito County, Emmaus House, Sun Street Centers, and the YMCA of San Benito County. 

From December 1st to the 12th, we invite you to share in the joy of giving and help make a lasting impact right here at home. During this time, every donation is matched in part by local businesses and organizations, ensuring that your generosity reaches even further. Together, we spark hope, kindness, and connection that ripple through our community. 

For more than two decades, the YMCA of San Benito County has served as a cornerstone of growth and belonging, empowering youth, supporting families, and promoting lifelong wellness through our core focus areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. From after-school care and youth sports to group fitness classes and programs that help adults, families, and seniors stay active, the Y remains a welcoming place for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive. 

This year, we’re especially proud of our newest partnership with Hollister High School, where we now have the privilege to oversee the Baler Aquatic Center and its activities. Through this collaboration, we’ve had the pleasure of serving hundreds of local families and swimmers, expanding access to vital water safety and life-saving instruction. Thanks to our financial assistance program and migrant program partnerships, we’ve removed barriers for families who might not otherwise have access to these resources. Many of our members, including active older adults, have found that lap swimming provides an effective, low-impact workout that’s gentle on the body yet powerful for overall wellness. Our aquatics programs also offer opportunities for youth employment and leadership, from lifeguard certifications to volunteer and career pathways in aquatics. We’re equally proud to welcome local students who use their Y membership at our main facility to stay active, study, and build friendships in a positive, supportive environment. 

The Y’s impact is reflected daily in the stories of our members and families. One example is our Healthy Family Home program, created in partnership with The Health Trust and Hollister Pediatrics, which empowers families to build healthier habits through guided wellness, nutrition education, and active living opportunities. “Our family is closer since we started the HFH program, we are more interactive and holding each other accountable” says one of our Y families. Stories like this remind us that the Y is more than a “gym.” The Y is a place where connections grow, confidence flourishes, and communities thrive. 

By supporting the YMCA of San Benito County during 12 Days of Giving, you’re not just donating, you’re investing in the health/wellness, development, and future of our community. Whether it’s providing after-school care, teaching water safety, or ensuring access to fitness and wellness programs for all, your contribution helps everyone reach their full potential. 

Join us this season of giving! Visit centralcoastymca.org/donate to make your donation and be part of something truly special. Donations can also be mailed or delivered to the YMCA of San Benito County, 351 Tres Pinos Road, Suite A-201, Hollister, CA 95023, or dropped off at the Community Foundation Epicenter, 440 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023. Please note “12 Days of Giving” in the memo field to ensure your gift qualifies for matching funds. All donations will be distributed after December 12. 

Matching funds for the 12 Days of Giving are made possible by our partners United for San Benito County. Campaign sponsors as of this writing are Jeanne Cezar, K&S properties, San Benito County Association of Realtors, Women’s Club of Hollister, True Leaf Farms and in-kind media support is provided by BenitoLink. 

Together, with your support, we can make this holiday season brighter for every child, family, and neighbor across San Benito County. 

 

CASA: casasanbenito.org/donate/ 

Community Food Bank: communityfoodbankofsbc.org/donate/ 

Emmaus House: emmaushouse.net/online_donations 

Sunstreet Centers: sunstreetcenters.org/get-involved/donate 

YMCA of San Benito County: centralcoastymca.org/donate/