YMCAs continue fund-raising push

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its four branches have kicked off their annual fundraising campaign through mid-March.

The "YMCA Strong Kids Campaign" hopes to raise $460,000 from local individuals and businesses. The funds will provide financial aid to families in need and help subsidize the cost of YMCA programs that cannot be sustained through fees alone.

The four YMCA branches are Triunfo YMCA, serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park; Conejo Valley YMCA, serving Thousand Oaks and Moorpark; Simi Valley Family YMCA; and the Miller Family YMCA, serving Newbury Park, including Dos Vientos Ranch. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves 20,000 individuals each year.

A donation of $100 provides swim lessons for three children. A $250 gift pays for a child to attend a week of summer camp and participate in educational programs. $500 allows eight children to participate in YMCA youth sports. A $1,000 donation will allow a child to be part of a YMCA after-school program for three months. The YMCA will not turn anyone away because of the inability to pay.

For more information, call Lori Kent at (805) 497-3081 or e-mail lkent@sevymca.org.