A Chinese auction/basket raffle is being held by the Downtown YMCA in East Liverpool to raise money to replace the building’s air conditioning. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The Downtown YMCA needs to raise at least $20,000 to replace their air conditioning system and is seeking help from the community with several fundraising projects.

Angela Ferlaino, front desk worker, YMCA, is leading the charge to raise funds by organizing a Chinese auction to be held at the Downtown YMCA, 500 E. Fourth St., East Liverpool.

Ferlaino said that the air conditioning system is old and really not big enough for the building, and it keeps breaking down, and the inadequate airflow makes it difficult to keep the temperature of the building at a comfortable level.

She noted it can get warm in the building in the summer months, and some members have pointed that out, so she took it upon herself to see if she could do something. She got approval from her boss, YMCA Director Sierra Estelle, and the board, Ferlaino said, was excited that somebody wanted to do something.

The auction begins Monday and runs through Nov. 1. Anyone wanting to participate can stop by the YMCA during business hours Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $1 each or 15 for $10.

Tickets can be purchased through 4 p.m. on Nov. 1. The drawing will be held on Nov. 1 and winners will be notified by phone. Ferlaino is still seeking items for donation for the auction. Items can be dropped off at the YMCA. She currently has approximately 60 items ranging from gift baskets, holiday items, lottery tickets and gift cards.

In addition to the auction, Ferlaino set up a GoFundMe account. Anyone willing to make a donation can donate through the GoFundMe account or mail or drop off a check at the YMCA. Checks should have air conditioning in the memo line. If a check is mailed addressed to the Downtown YMCA c/o Angela Ferlaino, 500 E. Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920.