HELPING LOCAL CHILDREN START THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE
Running Start is a program aimed at providing local school children with the opportunity to go back-to-school clothes shopping, empowering them to the start the new school year with confidence. This program is directly aligned with our commitment to nurture the potential of every child and teen.
2025 Running Start Dates
- Tuesday, August 5
- Thursday, August 7
- Monday, August 11
- Wednesday, August 13
- Tuesday, August 19
VOLUNTEER FOR RUNNING START
Volunteering to help a local child shop for back-to-school essentials is one of the most impactful ways you can support our Running Start program. By giving your time, you’ll play a meaningful role in a child’s life—helping them start the school year with confidence and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Steps To Volunteer for the 2025 Running Start Program
Follow these simple steps to sign up for one (or more!) of our volunteer dates:
1. Read the Program Overview
Before signing up, please take a few moments to review the Program Overview linked below. It includes everything you need to know—key times, volunteer expectations, and helpful tips to
prepare you for this meaningful experience.
Volunteers must arrive at the YMCA of Greenwich by 5:00 PM on their selected date. Activities begin and end at the YMCA, with transportation to and from Kohl’s in Port Chester, NY provided by Greenwich Public Schools. Volunteers are required to stay for the full event.
2. Submit the Interest Form
Use the link below to let us know which date(s) you’re available to volunteer. You’re welcome to join us for more than one night! After receiving your interest form submission, we
will reach out with detailed instructions on creating an account in Volunteer Matters and which requirements you will need to complete.
3. Complete Volunteer Requirements
To ensure a safe experience for the children participating in this program, volunteers are required to complete a background check and an online abuse prevention training as part of our child
safety policies. Once you submit the interest form, we’ll send you instructions to complete these requirements through our volunteer portal, VolunteerMatters.
FAMILIES INTERESTED IN RUNNING START
Running Start is a need-based program designed to help local children in Kindergarten through 5th grade begin the school year with confidence by providing them with back-to-school clothing, shoes, supplies, and a backpack. Each child is paired with a volunteer for a special night of shopping at Kohl’s, following a fun pizza party at the YMCA of Greenwich.
NOTE: We do not distribute gift cards—children must be able to attend one of the scheduled Running Start dates in order to participate and receive program benefits.
Because this is a need-based initiative with limited capacity, we do not open applications to the general public. However, if you are interested in receiving more information about applying, please complete the interest form below.
DONATE
Last year, thanks to the generous contributions and volunteer efforts of our community, we proudly brought over 100 local children back-to-school shopping through our Running Start program. Each child received a $150 Kohl’s gift card to choose brand-new clothing—giving them not only what they needed, but a sense of pride and excitement heading into the school year.
This year, our goal is even bigger: we aim to bring 125 children shopping, ensuring even more kids start school with confidence, dignity, and the essentials they deserve. The cost to support each child is $150, with each donation going directly toward providing that child with the opportunity to walk into their classroom feeling ready and supported.
Donate today to help us reach our goal—and give a child the gift of a strong start.
