United Way, partners stage Community Day in Triangle Park
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS A passing shower didn’t dampen the spirits at the Community Day in Triangle Park, which saw a great turnout.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Horses of Hope had a pony available at the event for kids to interact with.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS A group poses for a photo with a caricature they received.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS A passing shower didn’t dampen the spirits at the Community Day in Triangle Park, which saw a great turnout.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Horses of Hope had a pony available at the event for kids to interact with.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Scenes from the Community Day in Triangle Park are shown, including some of colorful tents of the various partner organizations.
HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS A group poses for a photo with a caricature they received.
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LOCK HAVEN -- The Clinton County United Way brought a fiesta to Triangle Park on Thursday morning to taco 'bout the ways they and their partners serve the people of Clinton County.
Guests enjoyed walking tacos, crafts, themed photo ops and the chance to meet the local organizations making a difference in the community.
"We wanted this to be an opportunity for people to come learn about us, learn about our partners and the resources that are here to help when anybody needs anything," said Carleigh Johnson, executive director of the Clinton County United Way.
The United Way's mission is to support hardworking people who just cannot seem to make ends meet. In Clinton County, 30 percent of households are employed but remain asset-limited and income-constrained.
To support these residents, the United Way offers direct-assistance programs -- including Stay Mobile, Stay Employed; Operation Warm; referrals for shelter, food and healthcare; and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library -- as well as funding for its partner organizations, many of whom attended the festivities.
"We want people to know what we're here for -- that we're here to support them through our partner agencies," said Johnson.
Organizations represented at the festivities included the Annie Ross Halenbake Library, Catholic Charities, Clinton County Dental Clinic, Clinton County Housing Coalition, Horses of Hope, Infant Development Program, Lock Haven YMCA, The New Love Center, North Central Sight Services, Roads to Peace, The Salvation Army Renovo Service Center, Scouting America Susquehanna Council and Western Clinton County Recreation Center.
Also in attendance was Geisinger, a longtime supporter of the United Way. In addition to hosting a tent with a prize wheel, representatives from the health system brought snacks for the kids. Other event sponsors included First Quality, which sponsored the bounce house.
Alongside the bounce house and prize wheels, attendees enjoyed giveaways of books, water bottles and dental supplies. They also took part in activities such as making pinatas, maracas and taco-themed crafts, getting temporary tattoos, caricatures, coloring pages and visiting Mikey the miniature pony.
Beyond Community Day, the United Way's work continues through programs designed to support residents in need throughout Clinton County.
Two programs highlighted by United Way representatives on Thursday were Stay Mobile, Stay Employed, which helps employed, low-income residents cover up to $400 in necessary auto repairs, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
"We have a grant and designated funds to help people keep their cars on the road and running so they can get to work," explained Johnson, noting that the program is a great fit for people working more than 30 hours a week who rely on their vehicles but are just short of the funds needed for repairs.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, meanwhile, is a literacy program that inspires a love of reading by providing free books to children who might not otherwise have easy access to them.
"Children from birth to age five can receive a free book in the mail every month. All they have to do is register. We've completely covered all the costs associated," said Johnson. "It's just a great way to build children's literacy."
In October, The Lock Haven Express will partner with the Clinton County United Way for the Fourth Annual Masquerade Party. The event, which benefits the United Way, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Tickets will soon be made available.
For more information about the Clinton County United Way or its programs, visit www.clintoncountyunitedway.org/.