From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the Keeping Thomasville Strong event will give local residents a chance to talk to representatives from several community agencies offering a variety of information and resources. Professionals will give advice on family services and activities, child care, managing money, creating a safe home for the family, economical grocery shopping, staying healthy and more.
“Our Mission Development Committee, chaired by Sara Faulkner, has worked extremely hard to plan a great day for the community,” said CEO Tommy Hodges. “We really hope folks will take the opportunity to come see how agencies, and others that will be at the YMCA for this event, can help their families stay strong during this difficult time.”
Thomasville Medical Center, co-sponsor of the event, will provide a free lunch beginning at noon for the first 300 people in attendance. Other sponsors, like BB&T and First Bank, are providing items like bottled water and snacks. Face painting and temporary tattoos for children will be available as well.
“This idea came about because of the YMCA and its mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” Faulkner said. “We thought about how we could help our community.”
Planning for the event plan in February, she said, when YMCA staff members began contacting United Way agencies about their idea. During the summer, they reached out to other organizations and businesses to ask for help with the event. Now, representatives from nine United Way agencies and 19 other groups will be available to talk to community members at Keeping Thomasville Strong.
“I think that people who are looking for ways to survive, better themselves and learn more about what services are offered to them and their families would want to be a part of this,” Faulkner said. “There are a multitude of resources that are available right here in our community and for our community.”
United Way agencies that will be present include Davidson County Cancer Services, Boys and Girls Club, Hospice of Davidson County Path of Hope, Family Services, Pastor’s Pantry, Davidson Medical Ministries, Thomasville Coalition on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Communities in Schools and The Life Center.
Other city and county agencies, organizations and businesses that will be present include Davidson County Library, Davidson County Cooperative Extension, Angel Food Ministries, Cooperative Community Ministry, Consumer Credit Counseling, Davidson County Community College, Thomasville Eye Center, Move More Thomasville, Davidson County Social Services, Thomasville City Schools, Davidson County Schools, Thomasville Pediatrics, Thomasville Fire Department, Thomasville Police Department, Davidson County Health Department, Costco, Laugh Therapy and The Arts, Chiropractor Bradley Walters and Pilot Club of Thomasville.
The YMCA does its part to help those who are struggling financially by offering financial assistance, Faulkner said. United Way funding to the organization is used for financial assistance for after-school programs and summer day camp, while financial assistance for membership is funded by the YMCA Annual Support Campaign.
For more information, call Tom A. Finch Community YMCA at 475-6125.
Staff Writer Karissa Minn can be reached at 888-3576 or newsdesk@tvilletimes.com.
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