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.
ANNA Shelter
We can’t rescue all of the stray and abused animals, but we can help those who do.
In the month of September, please help us support the ANNA Shelter, a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization. We are accepting donations of bleach and bleach wipes, laundry soap, paper towels, bath towels, blankets, office supplies, and Purina cat/kitten chow. Items donated can be left in our donation box in the lobby. Your help, as always, is appreciated!
Questions? Please contact Shelly Sheridan at [email protected] or 814-899-9622 ext 241
For more information on the ANNA Shelter, including pets available for adoption, please go to https://www.theannashelter.com/
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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07/01/25 - 07/31/25
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Registration Closed |
Back to School Supply Drive
Rep. Bob Merski is collecting school supplies for distribution to local schools.
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) | ||
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08/01/25 - 08/31/25
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Registration Closed |
Be A Santa To A Senior
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) | ||
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11/14/25 - 12/12/25
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Registration Closed |
Care Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
The Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Join us in giving back to local homes and assisted living facilities!
Eastside Family Collection Details: We are collecting items for residents at Twinbrook Nursing Home,
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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03/17/25 - 04/15/25
Twinbrook Nursing Home Collection at Eastside Family Branch
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Registration Closed |
Collection TBD
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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05/01/25 - 05/31/25
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Registration Closed |
Erie City Mission Thanksgiving Boxes of Love
Download the list or pick up a flyer at the Membership Desk or Childcare Center; then fill a reusable shopping bag with the items listed below- enough to feed 4-5 people. Then return your filled bags to your local YMCA.
Please note: Thanks to a generous donation from the local chapter of Gideon International, we will have New Testament bibles to put in each bag!
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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10/06/25 - 11/06/25
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Registration Closed |
Erie Homes For Children And Adults MOVE Program
For our social responsibility, Eastside YMCA is collecting supplies for Erie Homes For Children and Adults MOVE Program. MOVE (Making Opportunities for Volunteerism and Exploration) is EHCA’s licensed adult day program with a community focus. MOVE is designed to give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities for success by providing them with choices and experiences involving community participation and creative expression.
Like many non-profits, EHCA MOVE has suffered from stagnant donations the past couple years. They are seeking the following:
Scrapbooking supplies
Craft supplies: canvas, glue, googly eyes, acrylic and water color paints, tie dye kits, yarn, holiday craft kits
Jewelry making supplies
Items can be dropped off in the donation box in our Lobby. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Questions? Please contact Karen McLellan at [email protected] or 814-899-9622.
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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06/01/25 - 06/30/25
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Registration Closed |
Erie Refugee Welcoming Bags and After School Program Snacks
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!
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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09/01/25 - 09/30/25
Donation Box in Eastside Y Lobby
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Registration Closed |
SOUPER BOWL
How about a little charitable competition? We are collecting canned soup or other canned goods to donate to our local food pantries. Even if your favorite football team isn’t Super Bowl-bound, you can still root for their division. Donations can be placed in either the AFC or NFC bin. Let’s see which bin fills up first and which division earns bragging rights!
Donations will be distributed to the Ella Cochran and the Veteran Leadership Program Food Pantries.
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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01/15/25 - 02/13/26
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Registration Closed |
The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort Pet Boarding
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
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02/17/25 - 03/14/25
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Registration Closed |