by Katie Vasquez
ASTORIA, Queens — Families gathered in Astoria on Aug. 21 for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ annual Kids Fun Day, a free community event offering children games, music, books and toys while connecting parents and guardians with resources and services.
The event was held in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and featured community-based organizations offering information on health care, dental services and other assistance.
For children like Greyson Mercado, the day was all about having fun.
“I like to play games, and I like to read books,” Mercado said. “And I like to play, and I like my toys, and I like to dance, and I like to sing.”
The event began 18 years ago as a backpack giveaway. Since then, it has grown into a larger community event where families can receive school supplies, backpacks and toys while learning about services available to them.
“We really started this event because we had a few backpacks to give out,” said Debbie Hampson, senior director of Community Outreach Services at Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. “Well, that has morphed into this amazing event where we have a lot of our community-based organizations.”
Hampson said the organizations provide families with information and resources, while Catholic Charities distributes backpacks, school supplies and toys.
For some parents, the event offered an opportunity to find services they otherwise may have struggled to access.
Helen Merino, who attended the event, said she had been looking for affordable dental care and other assistance.
“I’ve needed a teeth cleaning for so long, and I haven’t been able to get it because I don’t have insurance here,” Merino said.
She said she was connected with resources that could help her receive dental treatment at a reduced cost and apply for health insurance.
“But I think that the community needs things like this,” Merino said.
Volunteers also played a key role in helping families navigate the event and take part in its activities.
Adriana Dorner, a Catholic Charities volunteer, said volunteering gives her an opportunity to support children and families in the community.
“A lot of my friends, I don’t see a lot of volunteering, especially working with children or food distribution or other services that are needed,” Dorner said. “So just being able to give back and, like, put my hand out there to give back to those in need, it means something to me.”
The annual Kids Fun Day brought together families, volunteers and community organizations for a day focused on fun, support and giving back.