More local families throughout the greater Savannah area are able to put food on the table and receive childcare assistance thanks to a generous donation from Bank of America.

When the shelter in place orders in the State of Georgia kept the Y from opening their facilities and child learning centers to deliver typical programs and services , the YMCA of Coastal Georgia quickly pivoted their branches to serve a community response centers, offering emergency services and programs to those who needed it most. Bank of America quickly recognized an opportunity to help and provided support in a big way.

Bank of America recently donated $40,000 to the YMCA of Coastal Georgia to support COVID-19 related response efforts including Critical Personnel Childcare, Grab and Go Meal Programming and the YMCA’s Fresh Express.

“The YMCA has always looked for the gaps in the community and just as they have done before, responded quickly to serve the needs of others. Even with their doors closed, they stepped up to help our neighbors with critical programs and resources during very trying times. This is community service in action,” said Patrick O’ Neil, market president at Bank of America.

Since March 30th, the YMCA, with the help of partner agencies Second Harvest and P.A.C.K. has been able to distribute over 30,000 nutritious meals through grab and go meal stations hosted at nine of its local branches. They have also provided Critical Personnel Childcare for hundreds of medical personnel and first responders, providing a safe and nurturing place for their children while they have been working on the front lines against the COVID-19 virus.

“Bank of America has been a strong partner with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia for many years. We appreciate their thoughtfulness and generosity as we move through this challenging time in our history together,” said Joel Smoker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Their donation helps the Y remain nimble and ensures we will continue to thrive amidst the crisis and when it is over.”