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SPORTS / City YMCAs Do Their Part / They offer free lodging, services
to stranded travelers WITHIN MINUTES of the World Trade Center tragedy, Peter Rosario opened the Flushing YMCA's doors to the world. Providing food, shelter and comfort, the Y was transformed into a haven. "After I saw the second plane hit, I was on the phone with LaGuardia Airport," said Rosario, executive manager of fund development. People were provided sleeping cots at no charge, which is important considering available hotel rooms averaged $120-$279 a night, double occupancy. "We told them that we are available. They said that they had 150 people [that were stranded from canceled flights]. We told them, 'Bring them over.'" After the tragedy on Sept. 11, the airports experienced multiple- day delays through Friday and resumed with a limited flight schedule Saturday. With hotels booked beyond capacity, the Flushing Y has been used as an alternate. "I was in the airport at [9:15 a.m.]," said Osei Kwame, a native of Ghana. "Authorities were shouting for us to leave the airport. When I went outside and saw the World Trade Center in flames, I could not believe it. "[But] I would like to thank the people at the YMCA. The people were very open and willing to help. They did their best to help us. When I go back home to my country, I would like to join the YMCA and help families." Wanda Curran, 56, was traveling with husband, Brendan, and daughter Simone from Perth, Australia. Wanda Curran said she felt a sense of relief as a result of staying at the Flushing Y. "Our plane was evacuated just five minutes before departure," Curran said. "We were on the plane when the World Trade Center was under attack. We were afraid to get off the plane. Since our unexpected stay here at the Y, they have provided us with excellent hospitality. They have done everything they possibly could to help us." The Flushing Y had played host to more than 200 travelers through last weekend. It also provided meals and helped travelers arrange dinner reservations as well as museum tours for those who still wanted to sightsee. This was in addition to providing services to regular members. But, officials said, some regularly scheduled activities were suspended to accommodate the unexpected overnight lodgers. Other YMCA centers in the area also were quick to do their parts. The Cross Island YMCA in Bellerose had group discussions, food drives and collected clothes. It also made available its showers, pools and workout facilities for rescue and recovery workers. An information booth was provided by the Long Island City YMCA. Pastors from area churches were called to offer services, and hundreds of people who happened to be in the area were given water, rest rooms, telephone service and food. In Manhattan, the West Side YMCA gave 290 stranded European travelers free extended stays. The travelers had been paying $70 to $120 a night. It also offered an emergency child care service, and provided rooms for American Red Cross and rescue workers. Communications director Sheela Wolford said the Vanderbilt YMCA in Manhattan is conducting a clothing drive, has set up a scholarship fund for children of victims and is offering after- school care and housing. "As the YMCA kept growing, we kept working," said Dwight Jordan, the West Side YMCA communication director. "This is for the people. It's about caring." Calling the YMCAs: For information about services or to offer assistance, call or visit the YMCAs at the following addresses: Flushing YMCA: 138-46 Northern Blvd., 718-961-6880. Cross Island YMCA: 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose, 718-479-0505. Long Island City YMCA: 32-23 Queens Blvd., 718- 392-7932. West Side YMCA: 5 W. 63rd St., 212- 875-4100. Vanderbilt YMCA: 224 E. 47th St., 212-756-9600. |