In the past two newsletters you've learned about two of our three areas of focus: Youth Development and Healthy Living. This month we'd like to tell you about the third area of focus, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

The Y has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical social needs for 160 years. Simply put, we think it is important to give back and to support our neighbors. You've probably heard about our Bright Beginnings program that gives at-risk children greater self-esteem and confidence by providing school clothes, shoes, coats and supplies. Bright Beginnings is our most visible response to social need, but every Y program addresses societal issues in some way. For instance, sports programs teach children to cooperate, to work in a team, to be aware of how their actions affect others, and help to fight the largest growing national epidemic for children, obesity.

The Richmond County YMCA encourages families to spend time together, either as a collective group, one parent and one child or maybe just mom and dad.  How awesome would that be?

In today's society, the family unit is one of the most neglected institutions, and the YMCA wants to help reverse this trend.  In October the YMCA held a costume party with 52 children present allowing moms and dads to have a night out without the kids.  In November the Richmond County YMCA hosted a Family Bon-Fire Night, complete with SMORE's, hot dogs and even roasted oysters.  Over 100 parents and children attended.  And on December 4, the Y hosted its annual Evening With Santa for families to enjoy some cookies, apple cider, crafts, holiday music and certainly some time with the big fellow.  200 parents and children poured into the YMCA that evening.

As the Y looks to 2011, we look forward to continuing our service as the leading family advocate in our community; we hope to see you at our next big family program or event.

Basketball registration is underway at the Richmond County YMCA. Don't miss your chance to get your child or teen involved in one of the YMCA's Youth Super Sports. Trained coaches combine the marvelous philosophy of past Y sports programs with the new games approach to coaching while incorporating our character values. Register for youth basketball or cheerleading by January 7.

Interested in volunteering?  Many of us had coaches that made a big impact on how we grew up, becoming a volunteer coach is your opportunity to make a difference for someone else.  Call Meagan at the Y.

Indoor Soccer will take place for the first time in Richmond County beginning January 8.  The modified futsal league for boys and girls ages 9 to 17 will take place on Saturdays at RC Intermediate School following the Y basketball league.  The registration deadline is January 7.