Free Carnival for At-Risk Children in Brooklyn

Children of the City, with the support of Health Plus, will be hosting the 15th Annual End of the School Year Carnival for the at-risk children of Brooklyn, NY on Saturday May 15th, 2010. With expectations of attendance somewhere between 700 and 800 children and families, all festivities are free of charge.

Children will enjoy a day full of fun and games including face-painting by local artists, a watermelon eating contest, potato sack race, an inflatable Bouncy Ride, and hot dogs and burgers. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians and dancers. In addition, parents will have the opportunity to hear motivational speakers discuss the challenges facing parents during these difficult times and ways to overcome them. Police from the 72nd precinct will also join in the festivities and local firefighters are expected to make a fire truck available for photos and exploration by the children. Community partners will be out in force sharing information on services, and various health services including mammography, rapid HIV evaluation, cholesterol testing, and other health screenings will also be available free of charge.

"Our goal is to provide a place where children can play and be safe," said Joyce Mattera, Founder and Executive Director. "Every year over 10 million children are involved in violence in schools. West Brooklyn has over 28% of children living below the poverty line. We need Out of School programs with affordable activities that will engage them in learning and fun. This event speaks to the very mission of Children of the City. We have a year-round after-school program as well as Saturday events that meets the diverse needs of children's development."

Additional information is available at www.childrenofthecity.org.

Children of the City has been providing programs and services focused on helping to brighten the future of underprivileged children in West Brooklyn since 1981. Programs include, but are not limited to an after-school and summer program that focuses on helping at-risk children retain the information learned in school, and various other services for children and their parents.

Children of the City
740 40th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232

This release was published on openPR.