TAMPA, Fla. — Several YMCA locations in the Tampa Bay area are offering all-day relief child care for healthcare and emergency response workers for just $10 a day.
The full day care starts at 6:30/7 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m. at 21 locations.
It previously costs $125 for the week, but the YMCA says Florida Blue donated $100,000 and brought the cost down to $50 a week. YMCA officials said members who are donating their monthly membership fees also helped bring the cost down.
However, the YMCA says no child is turned away due to inability to pay. Ask about financial aid.
“The health and well-being of our communities is our top priority right now. We are grateful for the health care workers, emergency responders and other essential staff who are on the front lines combating COVID-19,” said David Pizzo, Florida Blue Market President, West Florida. “We commend the efforts of the YMCAs of Tampa Bay for collaborating on this regional effort to provide vital members of our community with an affordable, safe and supportive location for their children while they are fulfilling critical work to keep our communities healthy.”
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“This gift, along with the generosity of our valued YMCA members choosing to donate their monthly membership fees to help the Y continue our charitable work, has enabled us to offer this program at a low weekly fee that equates to $10 a day,” says Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA President & CEO Matt Mitchell, representing one of three Y associations participating in the collaborative effort.
Qualified employees can register at the following links:
- Hillsborough & East Pasco counties: https://www.tampaymca.org/relief-care
- West Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando & Citrus counties: https://bit.ly/3daGnjB
- St. Petersburg: http://www.stpeteymca.org/childcare/youth-relief-care-for-essential-workers/
The tentative schedule for the relief weeks is Mar. 30-Apr. 3; Apr. 6-10; Apr. 13-17; Apr. 20-24; Apr. 27-May 1; May 4-8.
Dates are subject to change and there is limited enrollment at each site.
The locations are:
- Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA
110 E. Palm Ave. Tampa, FL 33602; (813) 229-9622
- Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA Youth & Family Center
4015 Ragg Rd. Tampa, FL 33624; (813) 269-9404
- Campo Family YMCA
3414 Culbreath Road Valrico, FL 33596; (813) 684-1371
- East Pasco Family YMCA
37301 Chapel Hill Lp. Zephyrhills, FL 33542; (813) 780-9622
- New Tampa Family YMCA
16221 Compton Drive Tampa, FL 33647; (813) 866-9622
- North Brandon Family YMCA
3097 S. Kingsway Rd. Seffner, FL 33584; (813) 685-5402
- Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA
8950 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33615; (813) 249-8510
- Plant City Family YMCA
1507 YMCA Place Plant City, FL 33563; (813) 757-6677
- South Tampa Family YMCA
4411 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33611; (813) 839-0210
- Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road
9650 Old Big Bend Rd. Gibsonton, FL 33534; 813.436.5890
- YMCA Camp Cristina
9840 Balm Riverview Rd. Riverview, FL 33569; 813.677.8400
- YMCA of the Suncoast**
Qualified employees register here: https://bit.ly/3daGnjB
- Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA
4127 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy. Lecanto, FL 34461; (352) 500-9622
- Clearwater YMCA
1005 S. Highland Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756; (727) 461-9622
- James P. Gills Family YMCA
8411 Photonics Drive Trinity, FL 34655; (727) 375-9622
- Greater Palm Harbor YMCA
1600 16th St. Palm Harbor, FL 34683; (727) 787-9622
- Hernando County YMCA
1300 Mariner Blvd Spring Hill, FL 34609; (352) 688-9622
- North Pinellas YMCA
4550 Village Center Drive Palm Harbor, FL 34685; (727) 772-9622
- Greater Ridgecrest YMCA
1801 119th St. N. Largo, FL 33778; (727) 559-0500
- YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg**
Qualified employees register here: http://www.stpeteymca.org/childcare/youth-relief-care-for-essential-workers/.
- Jim & Heather Gills YMCA
3200 1st Ave. South St. Petersburg, FL 33712; (727) 328-9622
- Bardmoor YMCA
8495 Bryan Dairy Rd. Largo, FL 33777; (727) 394-9622
- YMCA at Lealman Exchange
5175 45th St. North St. Petersburg, FL 33714; (727) 895-9622 ext. 4102
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The YMCA asks that all children be dressed in athletic clothing, including sneakers. The company says the number of staff and children present during each shift will be limited to allow social distancing.
“As we use our Y facilities to serve essential workers who are playing important roles combating the coronavirus, we sincerely thank Florida Blue, and all our members who are staying with us to help support our charitable mission during this health crisis,” says Matt. “The Y continues to bear some heavy financial losses as we continue to provide this care during this challenging time. At this crucial moment, when our communities need us more than ever, we appreciate the continued support of our members and community partners.”
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