County residents will have the opportunity today to help the YMCA help others.

The Butler YMCA once again is holding its “Giving Tuesday” event from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both the Butler and Cranberry Township locations.

Heidi Nicholls Bowser, the Y's director of membership and healthy living, said the annual Giving Tuesday event was gleaned from the International Day of Giving that began about a dozen years ago.

“The YMCA decided to take part in that because what are we if we're not giving back to our community?” Nicholls Bowser said Monday.

She said donations will be accepted online and at the Butler and Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA until 7 p.m.

About $10,000 was collected last year, and that amount also is the goal for the 2019 event.

The proceeds from Giving Tuesday pay for the membership scholarships given by the Y to those who could not otherwise afford to join.

Nicholls Bowser said that demographic accounts for 20 percent of the Y's membership.

“(Giving Tuesday) also supports our Reach and Rise program for at-risk youth ages 11 to 15,” she said.

Two new stationary fitness bikes recently added at the Y will be available to try out at the Butler facility. The $10 charge for a half-hour on the bike will go toward the Giving Tuesday program.

Pictures, snacks, music and other festivities will be ongoing at both YMCAs during Giving Tuesday.

She said the fact that the effort raised significant funds during its four years in existence says a lot about the residents of Butler County.

“They are invested in the community where they work and live,” Nicholls Bowser said. “Butler County is most generous. There is no question.”

To donate to its Giving Tuesday event, log onto the Y's website, www.bcfymca.org, or visit either the Butler YMCA on North Washington Street or the Rose E. Schneider Y at Route 19 and Ehrman Road in Cranberry Township.