YMCA seeking community’s help after driver injured in crash

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Serving the community is at the core of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta.

Whether it’s delivering food or providing child care, they’re making sure they have boots on the ground to help.

Now, they are asking for your help as one of their own fights for his life in the ICU.

Last week, a YMCA employee was injured in a crash involving a driver who was allegedly under the influence.

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The non-profit says Donell Brown was on his way to pick up food from Golden Harvest to deliver to families when he was hit from behind.

According to the incident report, Brown’s van rolled over multiple times before stopping on its roof on I-520 near Wrightsboro Road.

“The news came to us on Tuesday morning that we had a vehicle, a YMCA vehicle that had flipped,” said Catie McCauley, president and CEO of Family YMCA of Greater Augusta.

Deputies say the other driver, Daphna Collier, 63, is facing multiple charges, including reckless driving, driving under the influence and serious injury by vehicle.

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Donation organizers say Brown has undergone surgery and is on a breathing tube with serious brain swelling.

“He was a hard worker, he was a strong guy, and he was willing to do anything that was asked of him. He always did it with a smile,” said McCauley.

McCauley says Brown was a familiar face amongst the YMCA team members.

“He didn’t just stay here. He was taking food out into our communities and into our YMCAs, delivering, dropping off and picking up,” she said. “He had connections throughout the CSRA and with staff far beyond just this location.”

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She says Brown isn’t just fighting for his life, but to come back to the place he loves most.

“He’s family. His entire family works for the Y. His sister-in-law is my marketing director. His wife was our childcare director for several years. His kids are growing up in Y programs,” she said. “Donell was a volunteer coach for our soccer programs. He helps with every bed delivery, whether it’s loading beds, putting them together.”

If you would like to support Donell Brown and family, visit the campaign’s webpage here.