Looking for a way to have fun with the children while learning about health and fitness?

The YMCA of Santa Clara Valley will host a Family Fun and Wellness open house on Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will be a chance for people of all ages and abilities to take part in the several individual and group health and fitness programs the YMCA offers. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with members who have taken part in the YMCA's programs.

Highlights of Family Fun and Wellness day will include: bounce houses and obstacle courses for adults and children; free and healthy snacks and recipes; registration for fall youth sports; fitness demonstrations; and tours, and the YMCA will offer free-visit passes.

For more information or to find a YMCA near you, call 408.288.YMCA.

Operation: Care and Comfort aids troops

Want to spread a little holiday cheer to the troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Beginning Oct. 1, Operation: Care and Comfort will be shipping holiday-themed care packages to soldiers deployed in the conflict regions. The organization is requesting monetary donations as well as handwritten letters of encouragement, cards and drawings to accompany the care packages.

Operation: Care and Comfort is an all-volunteer organization affiliated with the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Since April 2003, the organization has shipped more than 40,000 pounds of items for distribution to Marine, Army, Air Force and Navy personnel.

Working with the community, Operation: Care and Comfort collects items and funds needed, which the organization ships to deployed service members on a monthly basis. The nonprofit currently supports 30 "adopted" units, many of which are from the Bay Area. For more information, visit www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org or call 408.577.2192 or 408.373.8635.