EVANSTON, IL. — As summer break begins, many children lose access to the nutritious meals they rely on during the school year. To help bridge this gap, the YMCA is stepping up by providing free summer meals to help keep children healthy and well-nourished. The McGaw YMCA in Evanston is one of many Y locations nationwide offering free meals to all youth 18 and under through the Summer Food Program. Now in its fourteenth year, the program reflects the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. In 2024, McGaw Y served 109,182 nutritious meals and snacks to over 930 youth and families enrolled in various YMCA programs. These meals were funded by YMCA operating funds, the City of Evanston, the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)/Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and supplemented by grants from foundations. This year, the McGaw YMCA […]

McGaw YMCA staff celebrate a successful Day of Giving with President/CEO Monique Parsons, pictured center. EVANSTON, IL – The spirit of generosity was in full bloom at the McGaw Y on May 8 during its 2025 YMCA Day of Giving. This annual 24-hour fundraising event brought the community together around a shared mission to create brighter futures in Evanston. Thanks to the generosity of 130 donors, over $15,000 was raised—unlocking a matching gift and doubling the impact to more than $30,000 in support of McGaw YMCA’s life-changing programs and services. The front lawn outside 1000 Grove Street was transformed into a colorful Garden of Gratitude, a vibrant display of pinwheels planted for every donation made. Each pinwheel symbolized a supporters’ commitment to creating brighter futures in Evanston by sustaining the Y’s vital programs and services, including high-quality child care and early education, nutritious meals, swim lessons, summer camps, and safe,