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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa YMCA is celebrating 125 years of serving the Ottumwa Community this year.

The Ottumwa YMCA has had several locations since its opening in 1887, and it was one of the first YMCA’s built west of the Mississippi River.

The YMCA has evolved through the years to fit the needs of the community.

There will be a celebration of the historic 125-year mile-marker next Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ottumwa YMCA, where it will also become an International Peace Site.

“The organization that we're doing that through is called World Citizen Ink. It's out of St. Paul, Minnesota. They do a lot of this. Currently there are over 200,000 Peace Sites registered around the world in over 150 countries so we can join the efforts of many to promote peace and pass the peace along in the programs and services that we do at the Y,” said Tom Sisler, Ottumwa YMCA Executive Director.

On Sunday, December 9 the celebration will continue with a ‘Peace Walk’ and 5K. The cost is free but people are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate.

For more information call the Ottumwa YMCA at (641) 684-6571.