December is here and that means it’s time for you and your family to try the Greater Scranton YMCA for seven days, free.

From group fitness classes to youth sports programs and from swim lessons to early childhood education, the Y offers something for all members of our community. Here, everyone is welcome. And now is your chance to visit our facility in Dunmore and learn why there’s truly no place like this place.

Your one-week membership includes access to all the Greater Scranton YMCA has to offer, including group exercise classes, water aerobics classes, two pools, basketball courts, wellness center, child watch and our newly renovated weight room.

Seven-day free trial memberships are open to individuals and families can be redeemed anytime throughout the month of December by visiting the Y’s facility, located at 706 N. Blakely St. in Dunmore. This one-week trial membership is open to community members who are not already Greater Scranton YMCA members.

And if you and your family have enjoyed being a part of our Greater Scranton YMCA family this December, don’t forget to join the Y in January and take advantage of paying no joiners fee. For questions about member at the Y, contact Kim Lazuka, membership director, at klazuka@gsymca.org or call the Greater Scranton YMCA at 570-342-8115.

Jingle Bell Jog is this Saturday

There’s still time to participate in the Greater Scranton YMCA’s second annual Jingle Bell Jog, which is being held this Saturday, Dec. 13. This family-friendly 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Greater Scranton YMCA.

Race day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10 a.m. And don’t forget to wear your favorite holiday sweaters and festive gear!

Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Jog will support the Greater Scranton YMCAs Year-End Appeal. Here at the Y, we turn no one away for an inability to pay. We open our doors to all, regardless of their ability to pay full program fees. Through funds raised for our Year-End Appeal, we provide financial assistance to individuals and families from across our region, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer, including membership, daycare, preschool, before and after school care, swim lessons and more.

For more information about the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, visit runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog.

Meghan Carnevale is the mission advancement and marketing director at the Greater Scranton YMCA. Carnevale has been with the Y since 2012, serving in different roles in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities.