The Well at Sunnyside has experienced success with its Kids Cafe Summer Lunch program and has expanded the program to Jeffersonville.
“We are averaging about 65 to 70 kids a day,” Chiquita Nash, free store and volunteer coordinator, said. “It is not too late to come. Kids can come for the first time all the way up through the last day, but there are so many more kids I know we are not reaching. I am hoping if the parents see this it will let them know, ‘Hey they can come here and get lunch.’ The hours are from 11 a.m. until they need to be picked up, or for walkers they need to leave, by 2 p.m.”
The program will continue until the Washington City School District resumes session, as the cook is an employee of the district. Currently, it will remain until Aug. 16. Nash stressed that this program is not just for kids in need, this is for any kid that is in need of something to do this summer. The Well has always been a safe and friendly environment for those children, and Nash said that she hopes more children will attend.
“On July 11, we will have a Kids Cafe Kick-off, because we added a site in Jeffersonville,” Nash said. “The meal program is for anybody whose kid would benefit from the cafe. It will be held at the Head Start building in Jeffersonville. The program will be held from 11 a.m. until 1:15 or 1:30 p.m. and will continue Monday through Friday. We are going to have games, and even a few senators and state representatives have been invited to attend. Kids ages 1-years old to 18-years-old are welcome to attend. Children not potty-trained will need a parent to stay with them.”
A few other events The Well is going to hold includes a car wash at Advance Auto on July 9 and 16 to help raise money for their backpack give away. The actual giveaway will be held on Aug. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. Nash encourages the community to donate monetary gifts for backpacks or school supplies for children. Volunteers are always needed at The Well and Nash invites residents to come and check out the programs.
For more information on upcoming events, or to volunteer for one of the many programs The Well offers, call (740) 333-5088.
