The YWCA’s Junior Board of Directors recently partnered with YWCA AmeriCorps members to host a Fall Festival for the children served through the YWCA’s child care and After-School Enrichment Program. The Fall Festival provides an opportunity for children to be creative, win prizes and enjoy the fall season in a safe environment, since some children served by the YW do not live in safe neighborhoods.
Junior Board members planned age-appropriate activities for the children and donated prizes, snacks and decorations – all the supplies needed to transform the Harbert Gymnasium into a festive carnival. YWCA AmeriCorps members and volunteers from the YWhisper committee and the Zeta Zeta chapter of Chi Omega assisted with event set-up, made treat bags for the children and ensured that everyone had a great time.
The children from the YW’s child care program entered the gym dressed in their favorite costumes and were thrilled to have their faces painted, jump in a moon bounce and eat popcorn. Everyone cheered as the YW’s young superheroes and princesses played Ring Toss and went fishing for prizes at the Go Fish station. The older children who participate in the YW’s After-School Enrichment Program attended the Fall Festival later in the afternoon. They enjoyed getting temporary tattoos, playing games like Halloween Golf and trying their luck at the Football Throw.
The Junior Board, a group composed of dynamic young women who serve as “goodwill ambassadors” for the YW, works hard to support the YW’s programs through a variety of initiatives. The board raises funds each year through the Mother’s Day Flower Sale and at the KIDS Korner Luncheon in addition to providing hands-on support by hosting birthday parties and conducting monthly cooking classes for KIDS Korner children. KIDS (Kids in Distress) Korner is the YW’s child care program for homeless children and its operating budget is funded primarily through the work of the Junior Board.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega at Samford University, the YW Junior Board, YW AmeriCorps members and YWhisper committee for their dedication to the special children we serve. If you are interested in making a donation to our child care programs, please click here.