Thousands Turn Out For YSS Celebrate Youth
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Youth Services System Development Director Tammy Kruse couldn’t have been happier Thursday.
The smile on her face was the product of the many smiles she saw on the faces of parents and kids alike as they enjoyed the day at Wheeling Park during YSS’ Celebrate Youth. The event spanned the entire park, with participants finding school supplies, food, inflatables, face painting and important resources in the skating rink. They also received wristbands that allowed them to enjoy the park’s other amenities, like the pool, paddleboats and miniature golf.
“This is an open day for people who haven’t been able to go to the park,” Kruse said. “They can’t afford the wristbands or they just don’t have the time. This opens up their calendar. That’s why you do this, because families can come together.”
On top of the fun and games, families also had the chance to peruse dozens of resources that they may not know they need until they see what those organizations can offer. Those attending included Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, WVU Medicine, the Ohio County Family Resource Network, Ohio County Schools and more.
Betsy Bethel-McFarland, Easterseals’ marketing director, said Celebrate Youth was her favorite event of the year because so many people attend annually.
“It’s a great, great opportunity for organizations in the community to get the word out and get face to face with people,” she said. “That’s the most important thing, just meeting people and having that face-to-face time. It’s invaluable.”
Kruse said the line for entry into the event began around 8 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start. As families entered, they were handed drawstring backpacks full of school supplies, then walked through the numerous organizations offering information. At the back of the rink were face painting stations and inflatables, while there were other games outside in the grass. Visitors could snack on pizza, hot dogs and more. YSS officials were expecting at least 2,000 people to come through Thursday.
Angela Beardmore was watching her 6-year-old son Dakota get his face painted, smiling just like the volunteers who could be found helping throughout the event. That, Beardmore said, was one of the highlights of the entire day.
“The people are just so friendly,” she said. “It’s just such a fun time and everyone here is doing it for the kids in the community.”
Kruse said that’s one of the reasons Celebrate Youth has gone strong for the last 19 years -- that YSS’ volunteers love the opportunity to help others.
“You know you’re doing something for somebody else,” she said. “If you have a chance to see a smile on a kid’s face or a parent that says, “Thank you. This is what we needed,’ there’s no way to not be happy.”