CARLISLE — For the sixth year, the Carlisle free summer lunch program has proven successful.
Thursday marked the last day of Carlisle’s free summer lunch and activities program for this year. The program is held at the Carlisle Town Hall each year for the children of Union County and averages around 25-30 children each day, ages 2-16.
The program includes nutritious meals and snacks for the children, but also plenty of fun to keep them occupied.
“We sing, we dance, we play games, use the computers, make arts and crafts and until recently, the Bookmobile would come visit and we would read,” said Mayor Mary Ferguson-Glenn. “We try to feed the mind as well as the body.”
Ferguson-Glenn greeted the children as they arrived with a “Good morning” and a hug. With the help of several volunteers, she led activities such as dodge ball and jumping rope, blowing her whistle to get the children’s attention. Other activities have included field trips to the Union County YMCA for swimming to beat the heat.
“I’m thankful we’re able to give the children a place to come,” Ferguson-Glenn said. “It’s a long, hot summer, but we are having a lot of fun. The children are priority number one for us.”
No tax dollars are spent for the program as it is funded through donations.
“We appreciate all the donations we have received,” Ferguson-Glenn said. “They have enabled us to keep the program going. This is our sixth year.”
Ferguson-Glenn added that she would like to see more people volunteer.
“We need the people in the community to get involved,” she said. “We always need more volunteers. It takes teamwork.”
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