Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads

This past winter, while many families in Hampton Roads were preparing for the holidays, something special was happening at our Armed Services YMCA branch in Virginia Beach.

I was in my office when Mrs. Makayla, one of our Before & After Care teachers, knocked on my door. Normally full of smiles, she looked more serious than usual. She had just overheard one of her students tell a classmate that she had eaten ramen for dinner three nights in a row and was feeling really hungry. As Makayla gently checked in, the student also confided that she didn’t have a proper winter coat and was just ready for the cold season to be over.

Before I could even respond, Makayla told me she had already visited our Patriot’s Pantry to pull together a bag of groceries for the family. She and a few coworkers planned to shop that weekend for a winter coat and even pick up a few Christmas gifts for the student and her siblings.

What Makayla didn’t realize is that she was giving that family far more than food and warmth; she was giving them dignity, compassion, and hope.

That Monday afternoon, the student jumped off the bus, ran to Makayla, and shouted, “Close your eyes and hold out your arm!” When Makayla opened her eyes, the student had fastened a homemade friendship bracelet around her wrist. “This is for everything you did...and for making my mom cry.” she said, grinning. She hugged Makayla tightly and dashed off to join her friends.

While I didn’t witness the moment myself, I didn’t need to. The pride in Makayla’s voice (and the friendship bracelet she wore every day after) told me everything.

Stories like this happen often at the ASYMCA of Hampton Roads, thanks to the heart of our staff, and the support of people like you.

During Give Local 757, your gift becomes part of that circle of care. It helps us stock our food pantry, provide warm coats, and ensure no military child feels forgotten. It ensures that when a staff member like Makayla sees a need, they have the tools to meet it- immediately and with love.

We may only have one Mrs. Makayla, but with your help, we have a whole community standing behind our military families.

Be the reason another bracelet is made. Join us this Give Local 757 and give local strength to those who serve.

With heartfelt gratitude, 

Laura Baxter

Executive Director, Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads 

Who We Are

At the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads, we recognize the challenges of military life, especially in an area with the largest concentration of military in the nation. That’s why we’re devoted to nurturing the well-being of the Hampton Roads military community and all five branches of service.
We are based in Virginia Beach. We exist to support and strengthen local military families by providing an environment where the service members can focus on their mission while their family is armed with vital resources on the home-front.
Bridging the gap as a compliment to DOD programs, our services focus on child development initiatives, family support systems, providing a hand during challenges, and honoring the impact of service in Hampton Roads. We have the backs of our military families with the support of our community.