Running Start Is Back—And Bigger Than Ever

As summer winds down, the YMCA of Greenwich is getting ready to launch one of its most impactful annual programs: Running Start. Now in its fourth year, this back-to-school shopping experience has grown from a small initiative into a beloved community tradition—and this year, we’re proud to serve 125 local students, our largest group yet.

Running Start is more than just a shopping trip. It’s about giving children the tools and confidence to walk into the new school year feeling seen, supported, and ready to succeed. Each student receives a $150 gift card to shop for school clothes at Kohl’s, a new backpack filled with supplies courtesy of Neighbor to Neighbor, and the guidance of a trained, background-checked volunteer to help them navigate the aisles and make their own choices.

"Each year, we see more demand and more community support,” says Dakota O’Brien, Director of Marketing and Communications at the YMCA of Greenwich. “What began as a small initiative has become a powerful expression of what our community can do when we come together to lift kids up.”

Over the past four years, Running Start has grown steadily from just 50 participants in its inaugural year to 75 in 2023, and 100 in 2024. Now, in 2025, thanks to growing community support and generous donations, the Y will host five shopping nights at Kohl’s in Port Chester: August 5, 7, 11, 13, and 19. Before each trip, the Y hosts a fun pizza party so students and volunteers can meet and get to know one another. From there, they board a bus to Kohl’s in Port Chester, where the real fun begins.

Students are referred to the program through a network of trusted partners including Greenwich Public Schools, the Greenwich Department of Human Services, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, Horizons at Brunswick, and Neighbor to Neighbor, along with YMCA families receiving financial assistance.

How You Can Help

You can be part of this incredible initiative by:

• Volunteering your time to shop alongside a student

• Donating to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which helps fund gift cards, backpacks, and transportation

• Spreading the word to families who may benefit from this program

To learn more, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation, visit: www.greenwichymca.org/running-start

Let’s help every child start the school year strong—together.