Spokeswoman Debbie Geisler says Hy-Vee made a similar donation two years ago for a new building for the Scott County YMCA.
"We live work and play here so it really is our priority to help the organizations that help the people in our community enhance their lives to make things better. Again, our mission statement is "easier, healthier, and happier," so it's just a good fit for us."
Tom Thoms is co-chair of the fund-raising campaign for the project. They already have raised 7 million of the 7.8 million dollar cost to turn the center into a joint branch of the Two Rivers YMCA and Rock Island Library.
"The conversion has already started, and for the most part it's engineered, and hopefully by mid to late summer next year we'll be standing in a completely renovated building."
After deciding that the center was too big for the Y and library separately, the two began considering a partnership. It's located within walking distance of six Rock Island schools, and easily accessible by public transportation.
