Taxes, Charity and the Downtown YMCA

It was disturbing to read of a group in your area threatening to sue the Los Angeles YMCA because of its health and exercise facilities.

The chairman of the Los Angeles Athletic Club implies that there is not much “charity” left in the new YMCAs. I feel that is a gross injustice to the many YMCAs in the country that support many youth groups in a very meaningful way. I worked for the YMCA in our area for 18 years and know how lives are changed by this agency. If Y health faciities are generating income, it is still a nonprofit organization that uses its funds to help other Ys in the area who are serving youth, those with less income and senior citizens.

YMCAs deserve their exemption and for the most part are doing a good job.

BARBARA J. FEAVER

Hanford