McGaw YMCA - Evanston

06/05/2026

Your summer oasis is closer than you think. Hear why our members choose the Y. ☀️

06/02/2026

Free summer meals are back at the McGaw YMCA! This summer, the Y is doing its part to ensure every Evanston kid has access to healthy meals — FREE for all youth 18 & under.

📍Butler Park (June 8-July 24):
Monday-Friday
Lunch: 11:30AM-1:00PM

📍 Outside the YMCA at Grove and Maple (June 8-Aug 14)
Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 8:30-9:30AM
Lunch: 11:30AM -1:00PM
Snack: 2:30-3:30PM

Learn more: https://www.mcgawymca.org/news/2026/06/free-summer-meals/

05/19/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Donohue, a cherished member of the McGaw YMCA and Camp Echo family for more than 50 years. From teaching sailing on Ryerson Lake and volunteering at camp work weekends to welcoming campers with the Spirit Squad and serving as a McGaw Y board member, John shared his time, generosity, and love for the Y with generations of families and campers.

We are grateful for his extraordinary impact and will miss him greatly. ❤️

Read more: https://www.mcgawymca.org/news/2026/05/john-donohue

05/15/2026

What an incredible Day of Giving! 🌈🌀✨ In just 24 hours, more than 100 donors — together with a generous matching gift — helped raise over $34,000 to support McGaw YMCA programs and services. Our Garden of Gratitude was in full bloom on the front lawn, showing the collective power of community. THANK YOU, Evanston!

Read the full recap: https://www.mcgawymca.org/news/2026/05/ymca-day-of-giving-celebrates-140-years-of-community-support/

05/11/2026

ICYMI: Evanston RoundTable reporter Belinda Lichty Clarke featured our MetaMedia program and its impact on middle school students through mentorship, creativity, and connection. Read the full article here:

MetaMedia, a signature middle school initiative of the McGaw YMCA, is a place for students to discover and “become.” With a wood shop, music studio,

05/07/2026

It’s McGaw YMCA’s Day of Giving! 🌀🌈✨ Today, every gift is doubled—up to $15,000! Donate any amount and we’ll add a pinwheel to our Garden of Gratitude, symbolizing the brighter future you’re helping to create in Evanston and at Camp Echo!

Help us reach 140 donors and unlock the full match! https://bit.ly/supportmcgaw

05/01/2026

Phones down. Eyes up. 🌊 In our lakefront community, water safety matters every day. We're proud to support the YMCA of the USA's national Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign, reminding families to stay focused and distraction-free around the water. Take the pledge + learn more at PhonesDownEyesUp.org

Want extra peace of mind? Build confidence in the water with swim lessons at the Y. We offer lessons for every age and skill level. Register for summer lessons at https://www.mcgawymca.org/programs/swim/lessons/

https://youtu.be/Ju8SVSwx_P0?si=IRnXCmQl3bk6jeGu

4 likes. "Phones Down, Eyes Up™ (30 Sec)"

04/28/2026

Healthy Kids Day® at the McGaw Y brought families together to play, move, and have fun! 🤩 From the bounce house to the sports clinics, music, crafts, free books, and healthy snacks, each activity was a celebration of screen-free joy and healthy habits. Huge thanks to our community partners and sponsors for making the day so special. This is what the Y is all about!

04/03/2026

Healthy Kids Day® at McGaw YMCA! 🎉 FREE • High-energy • Screen-free fun for the whole family!

Explore activity zones, a bounce house, sports clinics, camptivities, enjoy music and a dance party, and connect with YMCA staff + community partners.

🎁 Prizes up for grabs — including a YMCA Family Membership!
📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 McGaw YMCA (Entrance 2, West Alley)
🅿️ Free parking

Open to all! Register ahead or sign in at the door. Learn more and sign up: https://www.mcgawymca.org/hkd/

04/02/2026

📣 Upcoming holidays: McGaw YMCA will be closed on Sunday, April 5, in observance of the Easter holiday and Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.