Amazingly enough, the balloon toss does not result in "water, water everywhere." All – even the little ones – learn that tossing gently is the key to success.

Some are quite adept at tossing and catching.

But sooner or later all but one balloon will have gone "splat!"
(Much to the delight of all those whose balloons have already burst.)

Run-walking with a spoonful of water is a challenge of a different sort.  Not only must you still have water in the spoon when you reach the end of the course, but you must dump it into a small paper cup on uneven ground.

The party ends with certificates of achievement for the children: something to be proud of; something to prove they've been working hard to improve their reading scores and to complete their homework. They express their thanks with small gifts to their Reading Mentors and HCEF staff members

and then discover there are gift bags also for them, thanks to the people at Haddad-Wylie Industries, and brand new books for all ages from HCEF.

The word back to HCEF staff: A good time was had by all!

Writes the director of the housing agency whose children – and their moms – were celebrated:

"Thank you for all that you have done and hopefully will continue to do for the families and lives you have touched at _______. It was WONDERFUL, EXCITING, REWARDING, to see everyone enjoying themselves at the end of the year picnic (children, mothers, volunteers, and staff from all three agencies). With all the food, fun and games, once the families returned to their homes our community was quiet, which truly is something I enjoy hearing. I can’t wait to see the expressions on the faces of the mothers as they see their family photos. For many of them, this is the first family photo they have ever had, or the first they have had since being clean and sober. Thank you again to everyone who made this event a SUCCESS!!!!!!!!"

Return to Volunteers

(6/25/09)