The Ventura Family YMCA has kicked off its first ever Adopt-a-soldier program. So far the Y and its members have collected goods for 50 of the 79 soldiers
serving in the Army's 425th Civil Affairs Battalion. Members were given the option to choose a name of a soldier serving in the Middle East and purchase items for that soldier off ofa list of goods that soldiers have requested. After the boxes are stuffed members and community participants canr eturn them to the Ventura YMCA for processing and shipping.

Along with the boxes full of goodies,some members also contributed the $8.95 flat rate fee for the postage.Donations startedthe day afterThanksgiving and are still being taken until ever solider recieves a box.

For more details on how you can become a part of the Adopt-a-soldier program please contact Jennifer Rivard at 805-642-2131 ext 25 or visit venturaymca.org.

ABOUT THE VENTURA FAMILY YMCA

The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs throughout Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Saticoy. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Visit www.venturaymca.org for more information.