'Lunch Bunch' kids program provides summer activities

Photo by KYLE HOLLINGER

ROACHDALE --Sloppy joes stained the faces of more than 50 children at Roachdale Park on Thursday morning as Connie Edwards read to the kids from a children's book.

The "Lunch Bunch" program is designed to give children an outlet during the summer by providing supervised play, food, crafts and entertainment at the park beginning at 11 a.m. each Thursday at Roachdale Park.

Additionally, each child receives the gift of a book each and every week.

The program was created in 2006 as part of the ongoing efforts of Friends of the Park, an organization that aims to promote festivals and events at parks in Russellville, Roachdale and Bainbridge.

Food and crafts are provided through donations from local businesses and community members.

And the event isn't just limited to Roachdale or Putnam County, it is open to anybody.

"No child is turned away," Friends of the Park president Dianna Gorrell said.

The weekly gatherings usually center on a theme or an event and include a variety of different attractions from crafting Father's Day cards to a petting zoo.

On the second Thursday of every month, kids with a birthday during that month get a birthday card along with a chance to celebrate with other children.

While the event is geared toward children and requires a substantial time commitment from volunteers,

"All the moms, the grandmas, teenage kids just jump right in and help without us asking," Gorrell said happily.

In the end it isn't just the children who benefit, the event also affects its organizers positively.

"I driver her (Gorrell) crazy all week," volunteer Tammy Folck said, "We're like kids sometimes we get so excited."

The Lunch Bunch program takes place every Thursday until Aug. 7, when it will conclude with an end of summer party for children to enjoy just before school starts.

Persons interested in learning more about Friends of the Park or the Lunch Bunch program may contact Dianna Gorrell via email at diannagorrell@gmail.com or by telephone at 765-307-1291.