2022 Boston Marathon: Salem Resident Running For YMCA Teen Programs

SALEM, MA — Salem resident James Smith is two weeks away from running 26.2 miles to benefit the YMCA of Greater Boston.

Smith is raising money for the YMCA's teen programs — including the Achievers program, Youth and Government and Leaders Club.

"I am running for the YMCA of Greater Boston because I am passionate about the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility for the local community," Smith said. "As an employee of the YMCA of the North Shore, I believe that through our collective efforts we can build a much stronger and united society by committing ourselves to financially supporting programs that positively impact the youth of our current generation."

The YMCA of Greater Boston has worked during the two years of the COVID-19 health crisis to increase employment opportunities for teens. The YMCA said that since 2020 it has provided more than 900 job opportunities for teens aimed at elevating their self-worth and self-confidence.

The YMCA of Greater Boston is an official partner of John Hancock in the Boston Marathon nonprofit program.

Go here for more information on the YMCA of Greater Boston's teen programs and to donate toward Smith's efforts with the YMCA of Greater Boston's teen programs.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)