The Answer to Y?

As a single, working mother with two children, Tustin resident Anne Monroe says the YMCA of Orange County has been a lifesaver for her family, and now she wants to return the favor.

Monroe, whose son is enrolled in a YMCA day-care program, is one of 900 volunteers pitching in for the YMCA’s Goal for 2000 Support Campaign fund-raiser. Organizers hope to raise $1 million.

“I work hard, but my income is not real high,” said Monroe, a 43-year-old server and bartender. “I chose to live in a higher rent area for my children. The YMCA has been a lifesaver for me.”

The YMCA of Orange County, based in Tustin, is kicking off its fund-raiser in February. The proceeds will be used to provide financial aid for child care and to fund various scholarships.

“Being that I am a recipient of the scholarships I would love to give my time to do this,” Monroe said. “I can give them my time. I can’t necessarily give money.”

Monroe’s 8-year-old son has been participating in the YMCA day-care center after-school program for 2 1/2 years at Estock Elementary School in Tustin.

Aside from offering before- and after-school programs for nearly 3,000 students, the YMCA also provides health and wellness programs, youth camping, swim instruction, mentor programs, youth and adult sports and programs for abused children.

Of the money raised, $600,000 will be dedicated to child-care costs or financial aid to local families. The YMCA pays 10% to 50% of the program fees for low-income families.

The 900 volunteers will be seeking donations during February by contacting more than 20,000 residents and business owners.

Bruce Clark, YMCA of Orange County board chairman, said the donations enable the 75-year-old nonprofit organization to serve more of the community. That’s being made possible because the YMCA’s volunteer base continues to grow year by year, he said.

“So many people get touched by it one way or another,” Clark said. “It’s the excitement people get about the kind of things the Y delivers.”

Monroe is one of those excited people. “They really, in one sense, have saved my life with my son,” Monroe said. “It’s just been a lifesaver for me and I’m very happy about it.”

Marissa Espino can be reached at (714) 966-5879.