Drew Poellein is a special young man, according to Kathy LaBrecque, site director for the M.E. Lyons YMCA before and after school program at Wilson Elementary School in Anderson Township.  The fifth grader is also a top popcorn salesman for Boy Scouts Pack 867.  Because of his salesmanship, for the past two years, he has been awarded a Walmart gift card.  But, instead of spending it on himself, Drew has decided to donate his gift cards (both years) to benefit other kids in the YMCA before and after school programs.

Drew used the gift card to buy extra games, balls, playing cards, and many other items used by his friends at the Y's Wilson Elementary before and after school programs.  "We want Drew to know how much we appreciate his kind heart and generosity," said LaBrecque.  "We also want to thank his parents, Todd and Kelly Poellein, for raising such a fine young man and a great role model."

When Gail Stradling of Blue Ash began swimming at the Blue Ash YMCA in 2001, she admits her skills were rather limited. Even though she loved being in the water, she struggled to swim a single lap without having to stop to catch her breath. Gail admired the hard work of fellow swimmers at the pool who seemed to cut though the water effortlessly. She also wanted a "100 Mile Club" t-shirt that many of them had earned for reaching their goal. She kept working and marking off the miles on the chart on a wall in the lobby. She earned that 100 Mile Club shirt...and kept on going.

Jeff Bowling was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident that left him in a coma for three months. Jeff survived, but because of the crash that crushed the left side of his body, he found himself in constant pain. He was told he may never walk again. In a wheelchair and dealing with the constant pain from the crash, Jeff said that period of his life was a very dark time.

Clippard Family YMCA swimming instructor Bev Pleasants, had the opportunity to meet Jeff and convinced him she could help in his recovery efforts. He immediately began working with Bev in the walking channel of the Y's pool. "Everybody at the Y seemed genuinely kind and happy to help me. I had 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds rushing to hold the door for me," he said.

With assistance from the YMCA's Annual Campaign, Jeff was able to join the Y at a monthly membership cost that he could afford. Today, because of his hard work at the Y encouraged by caring staff and members, Jeff is walking and no longer needs a wheelchair. "I am here almost every day and when I miss a day, my body lets me know it," he said.

To find out how you can help change lives, learn more about the YMCA's Annual Campaign by calling (513) 362-2010 or emailing [email protected].