YMCA of Greater Erie

Community Collections

The YMCA believes our communities are strongest when everyone is included and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We welcome and connect people of all generations, backgrounds and perspectives, and we’re committed to addressing issues that people face to create positive change.

Back to School Supply Drive

Branch: All Locations

Dates: 8/1/25 - 8/31/25

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Rep. Bob Merski is collecting school supplies for distribution to local schools.

School Supplies List

Drop off donations at the following locations:

Glenwood Park Y, 3727 Cherry Street
Eastside Family Y, 2102 Nagle Road
Rep. Bob Merski’s Office, 3921 Buffalo Road

Available Sessions

	Date(s)
	08/01/25 - 08/31/25	Registration Closed

Be A Santa To A Senior

Branch: Eastside Family Y

Dates: 11/14/25 - 12/12/25

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Help us provide holiday cheer to area seniors who are lonely, in financial need, and unlikely to receive any gifts this holiday season.

You can find tags for these seniors on the giving tree in the lobby of the Eastside YMCA. These tags include first name of the participating senior, gift preferences and sizes, if applicable. Return the unwrapped gift(s) and bulb by December 13th. (Please take gift cards to the Front Desk so they may be kept in a locked office until picked up by Home Instead.) Gifts will be wrapped by volunteers before giving to recipients.

NOTES:

When buying gift cards, any store or restaurant with a local location is fine.
Gift baskets – if not specified, use your discretion. Can be snacks, cookies, coffee, personal care items, whatever you’d like.

Available Sessions

	Date(s)
	11/14/25 - 12/12/25	Registration Closed

Erie Refugee Welcoming Bags and After School Program Snacks

Branch: Eastside Family Y

Dates: 9/1/25 - 9/30/25

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In honor of Welcoming Week in September, the YMCA is partnering with the Multicultural Community Resource Center, Catholic Charities, and US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants – Erie to help them welcome new families to our area and serve the children in these communities with snacks for their after school programs. Thank you for your generosity!

Collection items

Available Sessions

	Date(s)
	09/01/25 - 09/30/25 Donation Box in Eastside Y Lobby	Registration Closed

The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort Pet Boarding

Branch: Eastside Family Y

Dates: 2/17/25 - 3/14/25

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The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort is a non-profit started by The Crate Escape in Lawrence Park, offering temporary, free boarding for pets when their owners face life’s toughest challenges, such as mental health crises, homelessness, or rehabilitation.

The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort Collection List

More information on this program can be found here.

Available Sessions

	Date(s)
	02/17/25 - 03/14/25	Registration Closed

OUR MISSION

At the YMCA of Greater Erie, we put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Greater Erie is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.