YMCA swimsuit program donations up

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The need was up this year and donors to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids' "Suits from Suits" swimsuit donation program helped meet it, providing 400 new and gently-used swimsuits for low-income children in the area.

It comes days before the Y is expected to announce a 7 percent year-to-year increase in donations to its Strong Kids campaign.

The suits were distributed to kids Friday morning.

"We have more need for swimming suits for scholarships in our YMCA organization than ever before," downtown Y Aquatics Director Joe Edger told 24 Hour News 8.

The program targets the business community -- hence "Suits from Suits" -- and Y members for donations. It was launched last year by the local YMCA with financial support from insurance agency the Paul Goebel Group.

"Suits" also put 250 children through water safety and swimming lessons. Meg Goebel, the Goebel Group's president and owner, said this year's 400 suit donations were up from approximately 300 last year, a 33 percent jump.

"I'm hoping we can continue this on again and we can do even more next year," Goebel told 24 Hour News 8.