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A community tradition that started more than two decades ago is in full swing at the Waynesboro Area YMCA.

The 12 Days of Christmas celebration started Saturday with the 13th annual craft fair and continues through Dec. 12 with a sweet treat day that allows members to enjoy snacks and beverages while they use the YMCA facilities.

The 12 Days effort is coordinated by Member Services Director Fran Britsch, who said the celebration has been going on for more than 20 years.

Saturday’s craft fair saw more than 300 people and was followed by a See it, Try it day with a new Les Mills program called Cx Worx.

Other days also focus on fitness and member appreciation, but it’s the “helping others” aspect that is most rewarding to Britsch.

Monday kicked off the coat drive and Tuesday kicks off the food drive. All coats (and winter hats, scarves and gloves) and food is donated to Waynesboro Community and Human Services, which in turn gets the items to the people who need them.  
 
“It’s rewarding getting to know the families and finding ways to help them,” she said Monday. “It’s rewarding to give to those less fortunate. No matter what we do, it’s still not enough, though.”

The rest of the 12 Days include:

• Monday: Coat drive kickoff

New or used clean coats, winter hats, scarves and gloves will be donated to Waynesboro Community and Human Services. Final day to drop off coats is Dec. 18.

• Tuesday: Food drive kickoff

Donate nonperishable food items to be delivered to Waynesboro Community and Human Services. Final day to drop off items is Dec. 18. 

• Wednesday: Adopt a family

An Adopt a Family tree will be at Member Services. Gifts will collected through Dec. 19.

• Thursday: “Try It”

Youths ages 4 to 18 may enjoy free gymnastics instruction from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with Christmas music.

• Friday: Preschool caroling

Y’s Nest preschool and all-day child care will be caroling around the Christmas tree from 11 to 11:25 a.m. and 2 to 2:25 p.m.

• Saturday: Climbing Wall Day

Enjoy free indoor rock climbing from noon to 1 p.m. for youth and teens; 1 to 2 p.m. for adults. Stop by Member Services to complete a waiver before climbing.

• Sunday: Community Day

Work out in the Wellness Center, swim or play hoops in the gym from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 10: Pets In Need

Donate supplies, food and bedding toys for the Antietam Humane Society, which will be supplying information on pets available for adoption. Final day to drop off food and supplies is Dec. 18.

• Tuesday, Dec. 11: Teen Challenge

Organized games of challenge for teens after school, including a Dance Dance Revolution contest.

• Wednesday, Dec. 12: Sweet Treat Day

Cookies, fruits, fruit drinks and hot beverages will be served to members in the YMCA lobby throughout the day.

For more information, call 717-762-6012.