YMCA postpones membership drive

SOUTH TOLEDO - Before a rally to save the South End YMCA, YMCA/JCC officials sent out an e-mail agreeing to postpone its membership drive to save South End YMCA until meeting with group of advocates.

More than 200 people showed up for the south end YMCA rally, including several elected officials.

South Toledo residents are still hoping to improve the communication between Y leaders and Y members. They want to keep the passion to fight for the South location alive.

"We care about the South End," said Anita Lopez, Lucas County Auditor. "We live in the south end and we want to keep this facility open. It has been here since I can remember, on the Anthony Wayne Trail, a part of this community."

"This Y isn't just one Y to me, this is like every Y to me," echoed her son Mando.

The Zajacs have lived near the South End YMCA for nearly 60 years. They remember the South Y being built and don't want to see it go.

"I'd like to see this place stay open, bring it up to date, and open it up with a special rate," said Esther Zajac. "There are a lot of poor people around here."

Not everyone is set on keeping this particular location open. They just want to make sure there is always a Y to go to, while a new one is being built.

They're still upset with the progress in improving communication from YMCA/JCC officials.

"If you were to consider an inch, we've moved a quarter of an inch," said Ohio Sen. Teresa Fedor, who represents the state's 11th district. "I think it got angry after there was no communication, and that should never happen from a non-profit organization."

Wednesday evening's rally was to really send a message that those wanting to keep the South Y open and they plan to stand united.