At least 1 in 6 children in the United States live in poverty. That can mean money for new school supplies, clothes, and a new backpack can be hard for some families to come by. That's where the YMCA's Bright Beginnings program comes into play. Bright Beginnings gives students the clothes and school supplies they need by may not be able to afford on their own. YMCA Bright Beginnings takes children in need back to school shopping with community volunteers. We provide a gift card to volunteers (Yadkin Rotary Club) to shop for clothes with a child one-to-one. Each year, the Y works with the staff at local elementary schools and school districts to identify the students who are most in need.