YMCA Community Action Project, known as Y-CAP, is holding the grand opening of its new Thrift Shop today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The thrift shop is located at 3615 Ringgold Road.

Guests can take part in free car washes, enjoy free Cokes and hot dogs, balloons and face painting for children.

Y-CAP is an intervention program for kids ages 10-14 referred through the juvenile court system or the school system. Its purpose is to help them succeed in school and stay out of the juvenile justice system. A personalized treatment plan is developed for each child and family.

Funding for Y-CAP is provided by the state delinquency prevention monies and private contributions to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. There is no charge to the teens' families.

According to Joe Smith, regional director of Y-CAP, all revenues from the Thrift Shop will support the program. He said the store will be staffed by volunteers and by Y-CAP graduates.