YMCA focuses efforts on caring

By Cindy Eisen
Springboro Sun

The Coffman Family YMCA is making a big push to help others while involving the Springboro Community.

The nursery is collecting for those in need, and the fitness staff is recognizing a special person.

The entire month of October the YMCA Nursery, as well as the 4 to 6 Program and the 6 to 12 Program, have been working to raise money and raise the spirits of the children in the Port Charlotte Middle School in Port Charlotte, Florida, which was devastated by Hurricane Charley.

These hurricanes are being used to teach children more about the Y's core value of caring.

For four weeks the children will work on cards and crafts to raise the spirits of children at the school. The YMCA childcare staff provided the list of teachers at the Port Charlotte school, so groups of children could work on artwork for their rooms. Monetary donations were also accepted for the schools.

The children of Port Charlotte moved back into their school on September 20, but it may still take time to find out what all needs to be replaced.

A new program the YMCA has set up spotlights a member each month.

Each month someone from the Coffman YMCA fitness staff will be picking a member who they feel should be recognized for their hard work, dedication and perseverance.

For the month of October, Debra Harris has been selected.

The official spotlight letter reads: "Being a member for the past four years, it has been within the past two years that Debra has really picked up the intensity of her workouts."

When asked what her proudest achievement has been since she started working out, she answers with the fact that in the past sixteen months she has lost 98 pounds, has shed 18 percent of her body fat and has gained both strength and cardiovascular endurance.

Although she would love to see a hot tub and sauna here, what she likes most about the Coffman YMCA are the kickboxing classes and the cleanliness of the fitness center.