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Hopes and Dreams provides head start
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Akron Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Specialist, Gia Ramsey, gave children and their parents tips on how to stay safe and prevent injuries Aug. 17.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.An’Taya Kibble was all smiles as she played in the fire truck during Hopes and Dreams Preschool and Daycare Health and Fun Fair Aug. 17.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Dylan Connors (left) sat still as Hanna Cleckner cut his hair during Hopes and Dream Preschool and Daycare Health and Fun Fair Aug. 17.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Members of the Austintown Fire Department, which included, from left, Tom Heitzer, Tom Metcinger, and Tom Neff donated their time and let children sit in the fire truck Aug. 17.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Hopes and Dreams Preschool made sure children started the academic year on the right foot during its Health Fair Aug. 17.
“We’re having a back-to-school community event. We’re giving away school supplies and providing services for people who might not get it otherwise. We want to reach out to people and provide things they need and show them that the staff here at Hopes and Dreams cares. It’s good because we know we’re filling a need and even though some kids may go to another day care, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re helping,” said Stephanie Olesko.
There were a host of activities available for children to participate in, which included a jungle gym, balloon animals, face painting, and even an opportunity to sit in a fire truck. The Austintown Fire Department was excited to be able to offer kids the chance to see what their jobs consist of.
“It shows the community what our jobs are and all the equipment they pay for. It makes us feel good and takes us back to our own childhoods because we’re all just big kids at heart,” said Tom Neff.
Though the event was fun for participants it also provided haircuts, school supply donations and prevention safety education. Akron Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Specialist Gia Ramsey gave parents and children fire safety, poison prevention and child passenger safety tips throughout the event.
“It’s really important since injuries are the most cause of death for children under 14,” Ramsey said.