Haswell Family Technology and Learning Center Dedicated at Wheeling YMCA

WHEELING - The Wheeling YMCA received a $100,000 donation for its Haswell Family Technology and Learning Center on Wednesday.

Jason Haswell, a Y board member, made the donation in memory of his late wife Amy Haswell. Haswell's children, 10-year-old Lena and 7-year-old Jace, have attended programs at the Y for years.

“When my wife passed four years ago, I wanted to do something in her name for my kids,” he said. “This was the most appropriate thing I could think of because Amy was very much involved in things like this. She was a pediatric nurse practitioner, so she cared about kids very much.

"We loved the Y and what they did for us. It’s my honor to serve on the board … and to do this in my wife’s name for my kids is my honor and privilege.”

Meagan Ayala, director of summer camps at the YMCA, said the money will also be used to purchase an additional 16 iPads and two Smart boards.

Wheeling YMCA Director Adam Shinsky described Haswell's donation as a "game changer."

"When it came time for our capital campaign, Jason was eager to take our programs into the future," he said. "We have the largest state-certified summer camp here in the valley and his gift has allowed us to take technology and STEM to the next level."

Shinsky said Haswell's donation will also allow the Y to start several new educational programs in the fall for preschool-aged children.