Well, when I was a member, dues were about $60 per month, so it might not hit the $250 threshold depending on how long it was shut down.
It would certainly be useful if the Y would issue a letter saying that “during the months of X, Y and Z you received no benefits for your fees, therefore they can be treated as a donation. “
On the other hand, if membership in the YMCA has other benefits beside the fitness equipment that were accessible despite the shutdown, then it might not be fair to treat the dues as a donation even if the member did not use those other benefits.
