If the YMCA can raise $20,000 by Monday, Aug. 4, it can remain open until the end of the calendar year.

Allen Walston, treasurer of the Atmore Area YMCA’s board of directors, said the board had initially requested $75,000 in donations by Aug. 4, in order to avoid closing the facility on Aug. 29.

However, after a community forum on Tuesday evening to discuss the crisis, the board met again Wednesday and modified its request.

Now, Walston said the board is asking for the community to commit $20,000 in immediate funding by Aug. 4. If the YMCA can get this cash in hand by that date, it will have enough to remain open until Dec. 31.

Walston also said that would give the YMCA staff more time to seek out the additional $55,000 needed to meet the rest of the YMCA’s needs in its upcoming fiscal year. However, the first $20,000 is required to keep the doors open and meet some immediate financial obligations.

“What we need is an immediate $20,000 to get us through December,” Walston said. Walston said that donors must understand that the $20,000 must come with “no strings attached.” It will not be returned, even if the YMCA ultimately closes.

“We have to have the money in the bank and we will have to spend it before Dec. 31, regardless of whether we stay open or close,” he said.

Walston noted that the Atmore Lions Club had recently committed $5,000 to the effort.

Also, Walston encouraged community members to join the YMCA, if
they can’t afford a large donation.

“It would be a huge impact if we could increase our membership numbers,” he said.

Those who wish to donate to the YMCA can bring contributions directly to the office at 501 S. Pensacola Ave. For more information, call the YMCA at (251) 368-9622.