Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Spreading Holiday Cheer: Pack-the-Truck Christmas Toy Collection Drive

BENEFITTING TOYS FOR TOTS

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is teaming up with the United Parcel Service (UPS) to host a Christmas Toy Collection Drive to ensure every kid in our community has a toy to open this holiday season!

Help us make the holiday season a little brighter for families in need in our community by donating a new, unwrapped toy for a child, ages 17 and younger. We will also be collecting donations of gift wrap and bows.

This festive morning will include a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Members of the Plainfield Fire Department, Plainfield Police Department, and United States Marines Corps will also be onsite to support this event.

Make your plans to join us!

Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Location: 
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

For more information about Toys For Tots in our area, click here.

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Save During the YMCA’s 2026 Fall Membership and Youth Basketball League Sales

Fall Membership Sale

New and alumni members who join the Y anytime between October 2-5 will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120.

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY ACCESS TO THREE BRANCHES
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.

Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The YMCA On the Go App provides Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

Village of Shorewood YMCA
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404

JOIN THE Y

Youth Basketball League Sale

Families can also save when registering for the upcoming YBL season between October 2-5! Use promo code YBLSALE2026 when registering online and save $10 per player.

To learn more about YBL in your area, or to register online, please click below.

Joliet

Morris/Coal City

Plainfield

Shorewood

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Safe Waters, Strong Futures: Creating a Legacy of Water Safety

For 100 years, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been more than a place you go. It has been a promise – driven by people, grounded in values, committed to strengthening our community, and dedicated to ensuring that people of all ages and from all walks of life have the opportunity to discover who they are and who they can become.

As America’s most trusted swim lesson provider, the YMCA is a leading community resource for drowning prevention and lifelong water safety. Each year, YMCA swim programs help more than one million children build essential swimming and water safety skills. As we step forward into the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s second century of service, we have an opportunity to work together to make an investment that can help save lives and create a legacy of safer waters in our community for generations to come.

A Legacy Worth Making
In celebration of the Y’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we are excited to announce the establishment of the Safe Waters, Strong Futures Endowment Fund to help ensure that everyone in our community has the skills to feel safe, confident, and capable when they are in and around water.

SAFE WATERS, STRONG FUTURES ENDOWMENT FUND INFORMATION

Imagine the impact. A child learns to float. A young swimmer gains confidence. A parent learns how to respond in an emergency. A family discovers the joy of swimming together. Lifesaving skills are passed from one generation to the next. Your generosity can help make these moments possible – today and tomorrow.

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TODAY
Contributions to the Safe Waters, Strong Futures Endowment Fund will help create a permanent source of support for YMCA aquatic programs. Gifts may be made by cash, check, or online. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, all gifts to the YMCA are tax-deductible.

To pledge your support or to learn more about endowment giving at the YMCA, please contact the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Development Office at (815) 729-9638.

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Capturing a Moment in Time: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Time Capsule

A Celebration 100 Years in the Making

As we celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite the community to be part of our history. Stop by any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch to complete a special time capsule note card. Share a message, tell us your Y story, or reflect on what the Y means to you. Your words will become part of our Centennial Time Capsule, which will be opened 25 years from now.

Help us capture the people, memories, and moments that make the Y special – and leave a piece of your story for the generations who come next.

Submissions will be collected through November 20.

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Let Your Talent Shine: 2026 YMCA Holiday Card Design Contest

The YMCA’s Holiday Card Design Contest is back! Open to Y Members, ages 6-12, the contest is the perfect opportunity for kids to let their artistic talents shine and help spread a little cheer this upcoming holiday season.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Download an entry form and print it out. Entry forms are also available at the Y’s Front Desk.

2. Grab some crayons, markers and colored pencils and draw a picture that depicts your favorite things about the holidays and the winter season. From snowmen to Christmas trees, to candy canes and snowflakes, we can’t wait to see your original designs!

3. Complete the entry form and drop it off at the Y.

We will select our three favorite designs—one from each age group—to be featured on the Y’s holiday card.

Age Groups

  • Ages 6-7
  • Ages 8-9
  • Ages 10-12

Each of our winners will receive a YMCA Sweatshirt and other exciting prizes.

Download Entry Form

The deadline to enter is 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 5.

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100 Years Strong Because of You: September Member Appreciation

Happy 100th Birthday to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA! To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving our members a chance to score big! Facility Members who check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch on Tuesday, September 29 will be entered into a raffle for a $100 credit to our YMCA Centennial Store.

The Centennial Anniversary Store features an exclusive collection of limited-edition YMCA merchandise, available in both adult and youth sizes. With apparel and accessories for the whole family, everyone can take part in the celebration as we honor the Y’s long-standing commitment to strengthening our community and inspiring healthy living for all.

Stop by and see us!

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United Way