LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) -Â Ladyredd Fitness helped raise funds for the Salvation Army with its Christmas in July campaign.
The fitness class has been taking donations of money, food and toys for the charity's Christmas relief fund.Â
This morning, Ladyredd Fitness CEO Tesha Banks gave the collected goods to a Salvation Army official after a class session.Â
Banks said she was inspired to donate after seeing its campaign, and that giving back to the community is part of her mission at Ladyredd Fitness. Â
"I like to give back to the community. I've always been about the community, and I like to do things for the classes," said Banks.
"I saw on the news that the Salvation Army was out ringing the bells for Christmas in July, so instead of doing something amongst ourselves, I thought that we'll give back to the community."
Officials with the Salvation Army said they see lower donation amounts in the summer, and the partnership with Ladyredd Fitness helped the organization give to those in need.
"It's just a time for us to make up when people are on vacation and things like that. The donations tend to drop in the summertime. So this is a the best way to get out there and kind of get the word out," said Paul Downing, operations coordinator for the Salvation Army.
"You can't imagine just how much that helps when groups in the community get together and help each other. Then, we can take that and expand that out in the community and help more people."Â
The Salvation Army's Christmas campaign will run until the end of the week. Officials said donations are still being accepted at its red kettles at various locations.Â
