When Jared Hulme volunteered through BYU for the Food and Care Coalition Family Day, he said he didn’t think he could make a difference in a little girl’s life — but he did.
Hulme said he noticed a shy Hispanic toddler standing alone on a blow-up slide. She looked sad and scared, but as he began speaking to her in Spanish, she warmed-up and jumped in his lap. At that point, he couldn’t help but smile, he said.
The Food and Care Coalition, an organization that helps provide various services to individuals and families in poverty, sponsored their fourth annual Family Day last Thursday at Pioneer Park in Provo.
“It’s a day for the clients of the Food and Care Coalition to partake in things they normally wouldn’t be able to,” said Kyra Tarbell, a program director for BYU’s Center for Service and Learning. “They are able to forget about work and stresses in life.”
The activities included a barbecue dinner, music, games, a blow-up slide, balloons, a magician and various booths including kids’ crafts and a prize wheel. BYU’s country-dance team and Cougarettes also provided the clients with entertainment. About 300 clients showed up to participate.
“Our clients don’t have the opportunity to participate in this type of party usually,” said Nancy Mickiewicz, director of the Food and Care Coalition. “They don’t have the resources to. They are either poor or homeless.”
Hulme said he noticed the way the clients were enjoying the event.
“It’s real relaxed,” he said. “There’s no pressure here.”
People passing by even stopped to look around and join in the fun.
Edward Fillerup was out walking when he saw the festivities and stopped.
“It’s a good idea to help out people,” Fillerup said.
Hulme, along with 40 other BYU students, volunteered to run booths, serve food and interact with clients.
“This event would not go off without the volunteers’ help,” Mickiewicz said. “They do everything.”
Hulme didn’t seem to mind though.
“I think I’ve enjoyed myself as much as anyone,” Hulme said. “It’s really a way for the community to come together. You just have a good time.”
Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Sep 2005
