Five-year-old Charlie sat on the ground with his hands behind his back and did his best to bite into a doughnut that was hanging from a piece of yarn. He stuck his tongue out and pushed the doughnut, making it twirl around on the string until he finally had success. “That was really, really fun,” he said, licking some powder off his lips. “I want to do it again!”
Whether they were eating “doughnut ghosts,” pinning the nose on the pumpkin, trying their hand at the football toss or jumping in the bounce house, the kids in the YWCA Central Alabama’s child development programs had a “spook-tacular” time at the Fall Festival.
The gym was filled with little pirates, policemen, bumblebees, princesses and superheroes who enjoyed a cake walk, face painting, spoon races, golf games and Go Fish. Prizes were abundant, and the children had a hard time deciding what to do next.
Dressed as a “pumpkin princess,” 4-year-old Madison nodded her head when asked if she was having fun. So what was her favorite activity? Madison pointed to the bounce house with one hand while eating cotton candy with the other.
Sponsored by the Junior Board, the Fall Festival is an annual favorite at the YW — for the kids and adults alike. “The kiddos were absolutely giddy,” said Laura Sherling Dunning, president of the Junior Board. “They were thrilled, and the Junior Board members and other volunteers had as much fun as they did!”
The YW’s two child developments programs, KIDS Korner and Calico Corner, and the After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) serve homeless and low-income children. Events like the Fall Festival allow them to participate in activities they may not otherwise get to enjoy. Likewise, our Family Resource Center in Woodlawn hosts an exciting and fun fall festival for the families in the neighborhood.
“Being able to have this experience is so important for our children, especially those who don’t live in safe areas,” said Rikki Ross, child development center director. “They get the chance to play games, go-trick-or-treating and enjoy a carnival just like everyone else.”
The YW is so grateful to our wonderful Junior Board members, the Chi Omegas from Samford University and our AmeriCorps members, who helped make the day such a success.
If you would like to get involved or donate to our services, please click here.