MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County presented a $50,000 donation to the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA on June 6.

The funds will support the creation of a dedicated childcare room in the soon-to-be-built Lester Family YMCA.

The new facility is part of a $6.2 million community campaign aimed at expanding YMCA services, particularly for local youth.

“This is going to go toward a childcare room in our new early learning center,” said Brad Kinkema, CEO and Executive Director of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA. “This gift helped take us from $6.1 to $6.2 million, and it’s an incredible boost from a partner that truly understands the needs of children.”

Ashley Taylor, current president of the Charity League, spoke of the group’s long-standing mission to support youth development throughout the region.

“For nearly 100 years, we’ve partnered with local organizations to help kids thrive,” Taylor said. “This gift will leave a lasting impact on generations of children.”

The donation secures naming rights for one of six classrooms in the early learning center.

Taylor, who is the Instructional Coordinator at Patrick Henry Elementary School, noted the significance of early childhood education and said the Charity League is committed to making meaningful contributions to programs that prepare children for future success.

In recent months, the Charity League has also awarded over $16,000 in scholarships to local students and continues to reinvest proceeds from events such as the annual Bargain Fair and community fundraisers back into Martinsville and Henry County.

“This partnership with the YMCA is exactly the kind of work our supporters make possible,” Taylor added. “When people support the Charity League, they’re directly supporting the next generation.”

The new YMCA childcare center is expected to enhance early learning opportunities and after-school programming for area youth.

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