December Newsletter: Celebrate the season
Find a gift that’s the perfect fit for everyone on your list! Y experiences last long after all the presents are opened.
- Give kids ages 8 and up the gift of YMCA Camp Watia, where they can unplug from their devices and connect with nature and new friends.
- Give a loved one the gift of a Y membership, a new challenge with Westridge CrossFit, or personal training sessions.
- Give a tax-deductible gift to provide financial assistance and food security for neighbors in need. Plus, now through Dec. 31, your generosity can go twice as far. Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar you donate will be doubled.
Order your gifts directly through our website, call 828-251-5910, or email us. Find more ideas and options here.
Keep reading to see what’s happening at the Y this month.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
It’s time for basketball
Signups for basketball leagues and clinics are open now. The Y’s approach to youth sports promotes fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship in a safe, fun, and low-contact environment. Find your child’s team here.
We also need more coaches! Coaching youth sports is a rewarding way to spend your free time while shaping the future. To sign up to volunteer, click here and select Youth Basketball Coach.
Wrap up extra time
Let us take care of your kids while you tackle your holiday to-do list, take some quiet time, or get in a workout. All year long we host fun “Time Out” programs on mornings, evenings, and Friday nights. Drop off the children for a couple of hours while you do something for you! Check our schedules here.
Stay cool during winter break camps
At the Y’s Winter Break School's Out Camp, your child will learn new skills, have fun, and make new friends in a safe, supervised environment. Kids ages 5-13 can hang out with friends, do group exercise, and more! Learn more and click here to register.
Give the gift of adventure
Kids in grades 6-8 can experience the ultimate spring break adventure April 14-18. Our certified staff will lead them on an incredible hiking and camping expedition on the Appalachian Trail. The trip starts at the YMCA Youth Services Center on Beaverdam Road in Asheville and ends at YMCA Camp Watia near Bryson City. Learn more here and sign up here.
Baking a difference
Show your support for students in a sweet way at the Corpening Memorial YMCA. Each YMCA Afterschool site in McDowell County is crafting a unique creation to compete for a holiday pizza party. The community is invited to vote with their dollars for their favorite gingerbread house Dec. 9-20. All funds raised will help Old Fort Elementary replace supplies lost during Hurricane Helene.
HEALTHY LIVING
Ready, set, crunch!
Motivate yourself to stay healthy this season by joining Holiday Crunch! This annual fitness challenge runs until Dec. 31. Sign up through Dec. 14 at any Y and start recording your workouts on the challenge board. Complete 20 workouts during the crunch period to be rewarded with a happier, healthier you – and a T-shirt too!
EGYM coming to Henderson County
The Hendersonville Family Y will get an exciting member benefit later this winter. The EGYM smart strength system is a personalized strength training circuit that assesses your optimal resistance settings and adjusts to your needs. This system is exclusive to the YMCA and included with your membership. Be on the lookout for more info soon.
Food for thought
Looking for a quick lesson on making nutritious recipes? Join us for a cooking demo and meal kit giveaways at the Asheville Y on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Shaniqua Simuel from Change Your Palate will be teaching us how to make delicious heirloom collards as well as how to choose healthy food.
Give the gift of life
Support your community and join us for blood drives in partnership with the Red Cross. Your generous donation can help those in need of lifesaving transfusions. Just one donation can save up to three lives! Learn more and sign up here for one of these events:
- Reuter Family YMCA: Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Asheville YMCA: Dec. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Together again in Black Mountain
The Black Mountain YMCA is on track to open later this month after Helene-related repairs are complete. Stay tuned for more news soon.
Plan your holiday visits to the Y
The Y believes in building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and that includes giving our staff time off during the holidays. Please note these operating hours:
- Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Closing at 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
- New Year's Eve, Dec. 31: Closing at 4 p.m.
- New Year's Day, Jan. 1: Opening at 8 a.m.
Coming soon: Improved virtual options
We're working behind the scenes to build a brand-new virtual experience for Y members. This new platform will have the highest quality group exercise classes, kids activities, cooking demos, and more! Many of the videos in our online library are not available during the transition. In the meantime, we invite you to visit one of our seven local YMCAs to join Les Mills classes, water exercise, Zumba, and more. Check schedules and reserve your spot in our mobile app.
Experience the Y in more ways
From information sessions with area wellness experts to social events and fun hobbies, the Y has more for you. Visit our events page to see what’s happening this month.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Celebrate the difference you make
The Y is celebrating another year of community impact, thanks to your support. Read our most recent annual report here, and watch this video to see your gifts in action.
Feeding our neighbors
Our mobile food markets bring free, healthy produce and nutrition education to the community each month. There will be no mobile food markets between Dec. 24-27, so visit early and find our schedules here.
We're here for you
As our community continues to rebuild, mental health matters more than ever. The Y has resources to help you get through. All Souls Counseling is offering free mental health check-ins to YMCA members. A licensed therapist is at the Asheville YMCA Mondays from 8-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. No appointment necessary. Private meeting space available. Stay tuned for additional services at more centers.
Work with us for good
The Y’s staff team is a community that will support you and cheer you on through life. Every day on the job is different, with new opportunities to help others that will bring a smile to your face. We offer competitive pay, a free Y membership, program discounts, and career advancement opportunities. Check out our job openings and join our team today!
Give the gift of time
A gift of your time can be just as meaningful as a financial gift. Volunteers help make so many of our programs possible. If you are looking for opportunities to give time in your community or looking for an opportunity for your family or friend group to serve together, we would love to connect with you. Your time can help right here in our community. Learn more about being a Y volunteer here.