OLD TOWN – For the past month, two Old Town-Orono YMCA children’s groups have been raising money for the YMCA of the USA’s Tsunami Relief Fund.

The After School Activity Program has been holding bake sales and the Youth Basketball League has been collecting bottles and cans.

The bake sale was the vision of Heather Walz and Michelle Dunn to do their part to help the victims.

“Heather and Michelle are the type of girls who are all about helping other people,” said Y employee Missy McBrearity. “They are very special girls, good girls – always helping the smaller children in ASAP, too.”

The bake sales brought in $400. The bottle drive will be finishing up next month and is expected to raise $100.

The YMCA of the USA is part of the YMCA World Alliance, which will coordinate the global distribution of funds.

Rehabilitation and community building are the main areas of focus. The YMCA expects to distribute food medicine and materials; organize and provide temporary shelters; and support families and groups to rebuild basic homes and infrastructure.

Those interested in helping may drop off bottles and cans at the Old Town-Orono YMCA.