Y-Men Service Club: Help Neighbors in Need for 82 Years

Five men stand and smile. — The Y-men Executive Committee from left to right: Bill Bradford, Ed Picket, Marshall Cunningham, Warren Marsh, Dave Abraham (Photo by Harley Hoover.)

In 1943, a group of Marion men met in the basement of the local YMCA and started service organization. Eighty-two years later, generations of members have helped neighbors in need.

“The club’s motto is: ‘People serving people.’ That’s what we do! All proceeds stay in Marion and help construct wheelchair ramps for Marion residents with physical and financial challenges. It’s no cost to those who qualify,” the club stated on Facebook.

Christmas Tree Sales: A Marion Tradition

Three men smile while holding two Christmas trees. Many other trees for sale are visible in the background. — From left to right: Glen Chase, Pat Henry and Tom Morgan were among the volunteers who sold hundreds of Christmas trees to raise funds for the Y-men’s charitable efforts.

The Y-men’s Service Club’s biggest fundraiser is a 75-year tradition: selling Christmas trees. This year they sold 329 trees and donated 18 trees to Downtown Marion Inc. to decorate Center Street.

Funds Raised Benefit Local People in Need

Thanks to support from the public, the Y-men fund charitable causes including sending several local children in foster care to the Royal Family Kids Camp to help them feel like royalty and enjoy the outdoors.

The club also offers scholarships through the Marion Community Foundation as well as the wheelchair ramps.

Y-Men Build Ramps in Record Time

A group of seniors construct a ramp outside of a home. — Photo by Harley Hoover

“When a load of lumber ends up on a job site, 15 service men are there. In three hours, we are packing up and done building a 25-foot long wheelchair ramp,” president Marshall Cunningham said. “Every person knows a different aspect of building these ramps and what needs to happen. Everyone knows what to do! Everyone has their own skill set. Together we act as a well-oiled machine!”

Ramps Help People of All Ages

“We’ve built a wheelchair ramp for a high school student who was injured in athletics. We also have referrals from the Marion County Council on Aging. They will be approached by people of limited means who are over 60 years old and need a wheelchair ramp,” Cunningham said.

Ramps are built for property owners. Those who need a ramp can reach out to the Y-men through their Facebook page to apply. In 2024, the club built 18 ramps.

Appreciative Recipients and Family Members

A group of men work around a ramp. — Left to right: Glen Chase, Ed Pickett, Bill Miller, Phil Craycraft, Jerry Baker, Dave Abraham

One anonymous local recipient shared this statement on NewsForce 24/7’s Facebook page in 2013:
“I want to send out a big thank you to the Y-Men for building me this beautiful ramp. I am a 29-year-old female with M.S. [multiple sclerosis] and I am wheelchair-bound most of the time. I tried and tried to get help from others but no one would help me cause I wasn’t 60 or over. I’m so thankful and blessed that the Y-Men came to my rescue and built this for me. It has made my life a lot easier. Just goes to show all that there is good in our community,” the recipient said.

“Thank you for all you do. My brother was helped greatly by your services. You all are selfless volunteers for a great cause!” Cindy Burns Wilson said on Facebook.

Local Agencies Thank Y-Men

“The Y-Men of Marion are a godsend to not only the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities but the community,” said Nicole Workman, the board’s director of communications. “Over 11,000 people in Marion County have some sort of disability. The Y-Men, with nothing but kind hearts, grit, and community-mindedness, support this underserved population in such a huge way. We are beyond grateful to have them as a resource for so many we serve and beyond.”

“We appreciate the work that the Y-Men provide in building ramps on senior residences in Marion County. Rain or shine, and sometimes in extreme heat, they get the work done for some of our most vulnerable older adults. We are more than happy to continue to award them yearly grants to continue this essential work.” said Cassie Gregory, director of the Marion County Council on Aging.

Y-Men Value Sponsors

Additional support comes from sponsors including Modern Woodmen and OhioHealth. Henry Lumber delivers materials to each building site.

“They are a local company and we need to support our local businesses,” the Y-men Club stated on Facebook.

Club Meetings

The group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Stephen Chaney VFW Post 7201 at 1614 Marion-Marysville Road.

“We have guest speakers, play card games and enjoy dinner together. There’s a lot of camaraderie and friendship,” Cunningham said.

New Y-Men Members Wanted

Golfers tee off while a banner advertises the Y-men Service Club and its motto: "People serving people since 1943." — The Y-men also hold an annual golf outing to raise funds for charity.

They have 29 members and are always looking for new volunteers. Upcoming events include the annual golf outing.

“You don’t need any special skills. It’s open to all 18 and older. There’s a job for everyone,” Cunningham said.

For more info:

Visit the Y-Men’s Service Club Marion, Ohio Facebook page.

Drop a note to Y-men at:

PO Box 275

Marion, Ohio 43301-0275

Y-men Member John Keggan | MarionMade

Marion County Council on Aging

Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

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