Community Calendar

YMCA HONORS FIRST RESPONDERS

The Mattoon and Toledo locations of the YMCA will be honoring First Responders with a free week of membership at both the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and the Neal Center YMCA (Toledo). “First responders give so much to our community, this is just one small way we can give back,” Blake Fairchild, YMCA CEO said.

The free week will be offered from October 24-30 around National First Responder Appreciation Day, which is October 28. Police, firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics, both paid and volunteer, can stop by either location and show their work ID for a free week of access to both local YMCA facilities as well as a gift in recognition of their service.

“We are so grateful for the hard working men and women who keep our members, facilities, and communities safe,” Angela Hampton, Marketing Director said. “We want to show our support for first responders and let them experience everything the Y has to offer that can help them maintain their mental health and physical fitness so they can keep doing what they love to do.”

First responders experience more stress and intensity at work than other fields.  Regular exercise can help first responders alleviate stress; and can even help reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.  Exercise can also improve mobility and strength, which helps first responders maintain a healthy weight and reduce their chance of injury.

“Our first responders have been through an incredibly tough two years, and we want them to know that the Y is here to support them as a community that cares for and appreciates them,” Hampton said.

More information, including facility hours can be found at www.mattoonymca.org or by calling (217) 234-9494 in Mattoon or (217) 235-2500 in Toledo.