The Selma of Selma and Dallas County is wrapping up a fundraising campaign to help fund the many programs the Y offers the community.

A story in Thursday’s edition showed the YMCA spends approximately $100,000 a year on providing scholarships to young members in need, summer campers and students in after school programs.

Some people might think about the YMCA as a gym, but it’s so much more than that. Sure, the YMCA offers a great place to exercise and workout and classes in yoga, water aerobics and other fitness-related areas.

But the YMCA also offers dozens of programs that make a difference in the lives of local residents, including many, many children.

The Reach and Rise mentoring program puts a young person with a mentor who serves as a positive role model. Dozens of children learn about teamwork through soccer and basketball programs. The Power Scholars camp each summer helps students catch up in reading and math as well as an after school program this year at Sophia P. Kingston. The list goes on and on.

“Our membership only covers a small part of all the outreach activities that we do,” YMCA executive director Ann Murray said. “That’s why we come to the community and say, ‘We need your help to be able to continue these programs.’”

In order to contribute to the YMCA Annual campaign, interested donors can give online at ymcaofselma.org. Donors can also take their contributions directly to the YMCA, mail it to 1 YMCA Dr., Selma, contact the front desk at (334) 874-9622 or contact Murray directly at (334) 874-5203.