Bellevue Family YMCA staff and volunteers are actively working to raise their goal of $180,000 for the 2011 Partners With Youth Annual Campaign. The funds provide local children and families access to various Y programs.

The campaign has taken on increased importance this year as the Washington Legislature struggles with significant cuts to the budget. The cuts are expected to impact or eliminate many health and education programs and services.

“At the Y, strengthening the foundations of community is our mission,” said Keri Stout, Executive Director of the Bellevue Family YMCA. “So far in 2011, we are seeing unprecedented need locally for our services and programs, primarily in child care – making achieving this year’s campaign goal all the more critical.”

YMCA officials say that 95 cents of every dollar raised goes into its programs and services. The campaign will run through March with a goal of raising $4.75 million.

Donations can be made by calling Stout at 425-990-6970 or visiting the Y’s website at www.bellevueymca.org and click on the “Donate Now” button.