St. Mary's Bank recently gave $1000 to YMCA of Greater Nashua to help build a homework assistance center for the organization's after-school program. The money will allow the YMCA to purchase a PC, monitor and educational software for use by the 52 children, aged six to 12, currently enrolled in the program.

“The education of the children in our communities is so important to their futures, as well as to the futures of the cities and towns in New Hampshire,” said St. Mary's Bank Director of Community Outreach, Tom Champagne. “YMCA of Greater Nashua provides neighborhood youths with the tools they need to succeed in school and in society. We're pleased to be able to help the YMCA create a homework assistance center to maximize the learning potential of these young people.”

Founded in 1887, YMCA Greater Nashua offers more than 300 programs and services annually that focus on its core values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect. The children currently attending the after-school childcare program are able to participate in swimming, arts and crafts, sports, dance and other social activities in a safe environment. Many of these children rely on the YMCA staff to receive help with their homework on a daily basis, which includes tutoring, research and studying.

“Many of the children receiving after-school care at the YMCA do not have access to a computer at home,” said Mike LaChance, YMCA of Greater Nashua CEO. “With this grant from St. Mary's Bank, our staff will now be able to lift that barrier and provide basic computer instruction. The younger children will be able to play educational games, while the older students will be able to research projects and complete homework assignments. We thank St. Mary's Bank for their generosity and their help to keep this program a steady, positive influence in these kids' lives.”

For more information on Greater Nashua YMCA and its programs, visit www.nmymca.org.