The Kokomo Family YMCA Named May’s CommuniTee Giveback Nonprofit
By ERIN LARISON
The Kokomo Post Staff
The Kokomo Family YMCA is a mainstay in Kokomo’s rich history -- which is why The Kokomo Post is excited to lift up this cornerstone nonprofit as May’s CommuniTee Giveback Program partner with apparel that celebrates local icons.
The CommuniTee program creates a new piece of original apparel each month, and 100% of the profits from the sale of the merchandise benefit the nonprofit of the month.
Drew Larison, founder of The Kokomo Post, said the local infotainment platform has been quietly dreaming of a way to support the nonprofit community, especially in the wake of 2020.
“We exist to make positivity louder in Kokomo,” said Larison. “We can’t think of a better way to do that than to give back to a group of organizations that have supported our community in huge ways for years. It’s our small way of saying thank you to great organizations that are making Howard County better, just like the Kokomo Family YMCA.”
The design for this month’s merchandise features local Kokomo icons forming the iconic YMCA letters. Old Ben, the Sycamore Stump, the Kokomo Mantis and the Gas Tower make up the letters, in beautiful line work done by Emily Walden of Mini Em Prints. Each piece is available at www.thekokomopost.com/shop.
Trish Severns, CEO of the Kokomo Family YMCA, said the program is an innovative new way to both shop local and support a cause while you’re doing it.
“We have always known that, as a community, we are simply better together,” said Severns. “At the heart of the Y is a desire to partner with others to create a stronger Kokomo, and we are excited about a new way to reach more people and change more lives.”
Since 1875, the Kokomo Family YMCA has been strengthening local community through programs in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. The organization has a fully licensed early learning facility on the city’s west side, a 52-acre day camp, youth sports and aquatics programming, year round programming for youth and a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown Kokomo with a double gymnasium, aquatic center, wellness center and meeting spaces.
The CommuniTee Giveback Program features merchandise that is hand-screened and locally created at Expressions Design Co.
“We thoughtfully selected each nonprofit and admire the ways each organization is making an impact in our local community,” said Larison.
In partnership with the CommuniTee program, Community First Bank of Indiana has come alongside these nonprofits with a matching fund that will match the money raised through apparel sales and additional donations, up to $500.
“For more than 140 years, we have been grateful for the support and partnership of the Kokomo community,” said Severns. “What a fun way to make an impact!”
Each month, the featured nonprofit will be announced on the first business day of the month. To order, visit www.thekokomopost.com/shop.
