Lincoln YMCA branches host third annual swimsuit drive

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Wednesday marks the beginning of the community-wide swimsuit drive to help over 150 kids across Lincoln.

Throughout the month of May, all YMCA branches will be accepting gently used swimsuits for children in their grant-based swim program.

Local branches are also increasing starting wages for swim instructors and lifeguards this summer, more information can be found, here.

Northeast YMCA’s Aquatic Director Tabetha Burnham says they’re excited to host the annual event.

“We just want to remove any barriers that would make a kid not be able to participate in swimming lessons,” she said.

Burnham, who co-created the program several years ago, says YMCA serves eight different community learning centers across the city.

“Since we’ve done this, the joy that we have received from kids was priceless,” she said.

Northeast YMCA Instructor and Supervisor Elizabeth Luback echoed the joy children felt once receiving their swim gear.

“They know that this is something they chose to do for themselves, which they are really excited to do,” she said.