By By ANNA M. LEE Managing Editor
About 300 utility workers have been camped out on bunks in the Brewton Area YMCA's gyms each night this week, and director Dan Shaddock says the Y will continue to house workers as long as there's a need.
Since Friday of this week, the Y is also playing home to about 60 American Red Cross volunteers who are in Brewton assisting with recovery.
The YMCA has also offered itself as a sort of second home to all members of the community this week, providing their facilities for free hot showers to anyone who wanted one, member or not. The Y opened last Saturday after the storm, had hot water by Tuesday and had electricity by Wednesday afternoon.
Also, the YMCA has allowed a break for parents and children every day this week by having an organized sports and recreational time from 9 to 11 in the morning, open to all school-age children in the community. Children were treated to relay games, arts and crafts, flag football, other games and a snack each day.
Kids' Corner Preschool and the after school program at the Y will resume on Monday, Sept. 27, and the Y hopes to return to its regular schedule next week.
For details about scheduling of aquatics and fitness programs, listen to local radio stations next week.
Hot showers will continue to be offered to the community, and the Y asks that people come in before 6 p.m. to use the showers before the utility crews come back in in the evening.