MANCHESTER—St. Mary’s Bank recently gave $1,200 to YMCA of Greater Nashua to assist in the purchase of a youth-sized elliptical machine for the YMCA’s STRIVE Youth Fitness Center.

“St. Mary’s Bank is pleased to partner with the YMCA to invest further in the health and wellness of local youth, particularly those from low income families,” said Tom Champagne, Director of Community Outreach. “The YMCA’s programs help counteract issues like childhood obesity and the lack of after-school programs, thereby strengthening our community and its members. We applaud them on their efforts.”

Created in the fall of 2007, the STRIVE Youth Fitness Center was funded by donations from Ronald McDonald House Charities and the NH Foundation to help the Nashua YMCA address the issue of youth obesity. The STRIVE Center features two treadmills, two stationary bicycles, eight pieces of strength-training equipment specially designed for young people and Dance Revolution, a cardiovascular, interactive activity. Approximately 150 youth currently use the STRIVE Center, with results ranging from weight loss and strength gain to developing healthy habits and confidence.

“With 26,000 individuals—44 percent of whom are under the age of 18—taking part in our programs last year, the YMCA of Greater Nashua has more contact with youth in the eight towns we serve than any other organization, with the exception of the Nashua School District,” said CEO Michael LaChance. “Because so many young people spend so much time with us, we feel it’s our responsibility to provide educational programs that give them opportunities to develop into healthy, happy and productive members of the community. St. Mary’s contribution helps us make that possible.”