FITCHBURG — An inaugural annual holiday craft fair featuring local artists and vendors, held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Montachusett Community Branch YMCA at 55 Wallace Ave., will benefit and support the YMCA of Central Massachusetts Annual Campaign.

According to YMCA of Central Massachusetts, the Annual Campaign is an organized effort to secure charitable gifts from YMCA members and the community and is more than a fundraising vehicle; it is the largest Y program. Connected by a shared vision, staff at all levels work with one another to engage committed volunteers, Y members, and donors to make a lasting impact on the 57 cities and towns served by the Y. Together, they strengthen the foundations of community.The deadline to register as a craft fair vendor, with a $15 donation per table, is Thursday. Fees will go toward Annual Campaign, the vehicle for the Y to provide low- and no-cost programs and direct financial assistance including scholarships to children, teens, individuals and families who would otherwise not be able to participate in Y programs.

“We measure success through lives impacted,” Montachusett YMCA Business Office Manager Laurie Sleeper said. “The young boy who builds self-confidence in swim lessons, the mom who achieves a healthy weight through Zumba classes, the children eating nutritious meals for free in our after-school programs.”

Money raised for the campaign will be used for programs and activities including six weeks of swim lessons for a child, learning-loss

prevention through one week of summer camp, SAT preparation for one teen in the Minority Achievers Program, registration for a YMCA youth sports program, and others including giving five teens critical life skills they need to make positive choices and build hope for the future and a yearlong YMCA membership for a family in need valued at $1,000.

“Strengthening the foundations of community is what the Y is all about,” Sleeper said, “and what better way to do that than raising funds for those most in need in our neighborhoods?”

Sleeper said that so far 20 small businesses are signed up for the craft fair and will be offering a variety of crafts and handmade products including candles, soap, Christmas decorations, plants, DIY home decor, hot cocoa bombs, baked goods and more.

“Each year, each of our branches try to raise money for our Annual Campaign through events,” Sleeper said. “This year we were given the suggestion of a craft fair by one of our employees and thought it sounded like a great idea.”

The YMCA will be providing child care on-site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santa’s Workshop for those who want to shop without their kids. The $25 per family fee includes four hours of fun activities and lunch. Children will have the opportunity to shop for items for family members at the craft fair if money is sent with them.

Sleeper said 100% of the money raised “will directly support Central Massachusetts community members through the Y’s Annual Campaign, providing confidential assistance to those in need.”

“It is easy to help us change lives,” she said. “Make a gift, come to one of our annual events, become a corporator, volunteer, or contact us to find out about other opportunities.”

For more information and to reserve a vendor spot, call Laurie Sleeper at 978-343-4847, ext. 4208, or email [email protected].