By By Chandler Myers
Money does not grow on trees, but the Atmore Area YMCA is wishing it did.
Funding is running short for the Y, according to executive director Tammy Graham and unless the community comes together to help support the organization, it will eventually have to close down.
Graham said that right now 20 percent of the annual revenue the Y receives comes from donations of two trusts.
The dilemma for the YMCA is that the W.S. Neal trust ends in 2010 and that is money that is desperately needed.
Graham said the trusts always gives them any amount of money they might need for the year.
She added that this money helps support not only programs, but also the building.
Atmore is one of the smallest cities in the country to have a YMCA and still participates in the best programs available, said Graham.
Graham said Atmore’s Y is one of the lowest in terms of membership fees as well as budget. She added that it is good for a city such as Atmore to have YMCA.
For the YMCA to stay open, Graham said there needs to be more activity from the community and local businesses.
She added some of the community does support, but unless another trust or large donator is found it will not help.
Graham added that donations are always welcome and appreciated.
The Atmore YMCA is a 501©3 non-profit organization and any donation made is tax deductible. For more information or to donate, call 368-9622.