SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- When schools close across Michiana, dozens of students hit the YMCA.

Anytime local schools are closed the Y opens their doors for school age children.

Staff at the YMCA says most of the children who show up are in the age category of elementary school students.

"They have to bring their own lunch, but we'll provide a snack in the afternoon, it provides them with all the activities that they have in the day so they get to go swimming will do arts and crafts will do gym games,” said Jessie Emmons, YMCA youth development coordinator.

The program exists to give children a taste of what the YMCA offers and at the same time their parents can still go to work for the day.