Running Start 2025: Confidence, Smiles, and a Fresh Start for 125 Kids

Back-to-school season can bring excitement—but also stress—for many families. Thanks to the YMCA of Greenwich’s Running Start program, 125 local children walked into their first day of school this year with brand-new clothes, backpacks, supplies, and, most importantly, confidence.

Now in its fourth year, Running Start has grown from 50 participants in 2022 to 125 in 2025, making this summer the biggest yet. Each child received a $150 Kohl’s gift card, provided by YMCA donors, plus a backpack filled with school supplies from Neighbor to Neighbor. But what makes Running Start truly special isn’t just what’s in the shopping bags—it’s the smiles, the choices, and the connections made.

Before heading out to Kohl’s, kids and their volunteer shopping buddies meet at the Y for a pizza party. It’s a chance to break the ice and show children that there are safe, caring adults in their community rooting for them. Volunteers are trained and background-checked, and for many kids, it may be one of the few times they get to choose their own school clothes with the full support of an adult by their side.

Parents say the program is a game-changer. One mom shared:
“My daughter came home so happy and so confident. She loves shopping, and she came back so proud of herself. God bless you for helping our community.”

Another parent echoed that gratitude:
“A huge thank you to the Running Start Program at the YMCA! We are so grateful for the clothes, sneakers, and school supplies my kids received for the new school year. Your support means so much to our family.”

Volunteers say the experience is just as powerful for them.
“We know the financial help is important, but that is secondary to the lasting impact this program has on the children,” said one volunteer. “I think anyone who tries this comes back each year.”

First-time volunteer Nina Monti agreed:
“I enjoyed every minute of my time with the kids. It was so heartwarming to see their smiles as they picked out new clothes for the school year.”

This year’s success was possible thanks to community partners like Greenwich Public Schools, the Department of Human Services, Neighbor to Neighbor, Jewish Family Services, Horizons at Brunswick, and DATTCO, which generously donated buses for all five shopping nights.

For YMCA of Greenwich CEO Matthew Skaarup, who also volunteers, the program represents the Y’s mission in action:
“Running Start is about so much more than new shoes or a backpack. It is about giving kids the confidence to walk into the first day of school feeling seen, supported, and excited to learn.”

Running Start is part of the Y’s Back-to-School Campaign, which also funds scholarships for after-school enrichment and the Early Learning Center. Every donation helps give more children the fresh start they deserve.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.greenwichymca.org/back-to-school.