Writer Orison Swett Marden wrote about success: “We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.” His declaration perfectly embodies the caring 120 year mission of the South Sound YMCA and their many programs to educate, nurture, and support local families.
On Friday, October 30, the Briggs Community branch of the Y will host their annual Harvest Festival from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. With entry open to everyone, member or not, and suggested admission of a non-perishable food item to support the Thurston County Food Bank, it will be a safe, family-friendly way to celebrate.
Briggs Youth and Teen Director Shilpa Johnson promises a “fun filled event, packed with loads of prizes and games. The YMCA Harvest festival provides a safe and enjoyable get-together for kids and families during the Halloween season.”
With more than 350 attendees in 2014, the Festival is one of the Y’s most popular open-door activities. Aside from returning fan favorites like the cupcake walk and glow-in-the-dark-room, Johnson will also welcome vendors like Wolf Haven, Home Depot, South Sound Reading Foundation, Olympia-Thurston County Crime Stoppers and Usborne Books.
This opportunity is also a great way to learn more about the Y’s many other programs. Whether its afterschool Y-Care or health and fitness classes lessons, classes or sports teams, there’s always something going on. Ask too about their seasonal day camps for school’s Winter Break.
The South Sound YMCA offers opportunities for adults as well. While at the Harvest Festival, you can find information on Personal Well Being: blood pressure checks and nutrition consultations, group exercise classes, and social or fitness activities for active older adults.
South Sound YMCA membership details can be found online here or by calling 360-753-6576. Many local businesses, organizations, and health plans offer their employees or members discounted rates so check with enrollment staff when you inquire.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox once said, “With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.” The local YMCA touches lives community-wide, young and old. Public festivals like this one let their tireless, dedicated staffers celebrate alongside newfound friends.
“The law of harvest is to reap more than you so. Sow and act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny,” explained James Allen. The Y does all that and more, 365 days a year, in 10,000 neighborhoods across the country. They’re proud that “Our cause defines us. We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
The Briggs Community branch of the South Sound YMCA is located at 1530 Yelm Highway SE in Olympia.
