July 13, 2021 – Perry, Okla. – The Noble County Family YMCA (noblecoymca.org), serving Perry and the surrounding areas, has been awarded an Advancing Equitable Communities Grant from The Toro Company. The grant is in the amount of $5,000 and is the result of a nationwide vote to decide who would receive the funds. The money will be used to help fund the Tim Hight Food Program, which provides free access to healthy meals and snacks when school is out for summer and for year-round afterschool programs.
“One in six children in the United States don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” said Shea Boschee, CEO of the Noble County YMCA. “Even worse, in Oklahoma, one in four children struggles with food insecurity on a daily basis. We know that children who receive daily nutrition are set up for greater success, and it’s important to us that kids reach their full potential.”
The Noble County Family Y was nominated for the award by Melanie McGuire, an employee from Ditch Witch, one of Toro’s member companies, through Toro’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Each employee of The Toro Company was allowed to vote once, and the Noble County Family YMCA received the most votes, companywide. “The Y works so hard to meet the needs of families—especially children—in Noble County,” said McGuire. “This need for this program began long before the pandemic; Noble County’s need exploded once schools closed and other food resources became scarce. The grant honors the Y’s commitment to fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all.”
Ms. McGuire’s sister, Shelbi Duke, is the current board chair for Noble County Family YMCA. “I’m so happy Melanie chose to nominate the Y,” said Duke. “Our family members are longtime supporters of the Y in our community, and for their work to be recognized in this way is remarkable. We are so grateful.”
About the Noble County Family YMCA: The Noble County Family Y was incorporated in March 1979 and became a charter member of the YMCA of the USA in 1980. Nearly 3,000 individuals in the Noble County area turn to us for programs and services that enhance their lives. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Noble County's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. We are proud to be one of the smallest full-service Ys in America.
People in the photo (L-R): Melanie McGuire, Ditch Witch; Shea Boschee, Noble County Family YMCA CEO; Shelbi Duke, Noble County Family YMCA board chair.