YMCA hosts field day to give families sense of normalcy after Florence

After being cooped up in their homes or shelters or just returning to town after evacuating, families at the YMCA of Southeastern NC tried to get a sense of normalcy at a family field day Saturday.

Kids and families were invited to come out for some pick-up soccer and flag football and family basketball games took place in the Y’s gym.

The Midtown YMCA’s hope was to help provide an outlet for kids and families recovering from the effects of Hurricane Florence. 

Sarah Gibbs, the YMCA Southeastern NC marketing director, said hearing the stories and what people have been through during and after the hurricane has opened their eyes and helped them realize what the community needs. 

“Right now, we’re working with other organizations to try and identify what resources we can use to help our community,” Gibbs said. “We’re going to just keep doing events, providing services to the community, whatever we can to help everyone during this recovery phase.”

Gibbs added that morale at Saturday’s field day was great. 

“It feels good to have our normal parents and kids out here playing as well as some additional members in the community,” Gibbs said. “We’re excited to see everyone back at the Y. We’re excited to be open. We’re grateful our fields are in great condition and can offer them out to the community.” 

The Y also opened its doors after the hurricane to local residents without power as a safe place to cool off, charge their devices and take a warm shower. 

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