(l to r) Pastor Nicholson, Dan Dodd, Shirley Jordan, Willie Brown, Margaret Hart, Bud Shannon

Parents, children and community members turned out to celebrate the last day of the "Free Lunch" program, which was provided by the Community Action of Armstrong County. It was actually a lot more than a free lunch, it was a safe place where children could get together, enjoy a meal together and just have fun.

Shirley Jorden hands out cupcakes to the children

When Shirley Jordan first happened upon the free lunch program she wasn't sure what to expect. But the hard work and dedication of her and other community members paid off far beyond anyone's expectations. Shirley and other volunteers went around and personally spoke to every household letting them know about the program. And, Pastor Nicholson of the Morning Star Baptist Church was quick to volunteer the church and its grounds for the program.

A group of parents that showed up to help out

"We do the program in Ford City and Kittanning but no place has taken it on like this,' stated Dan Dodd, representative from Community Action of Armstrong County. The free lunch program that ran from June 16 through August 15 brought in members of the community, parents and over forty children ages two through twelve. Besides a free lunch, the children also made crafts and played games. Many parents in the community came out to help with the program; some were there every day.

"I'm amazed to see the kids out here," stated Shirley, "It has been very fun." The township helped out immensely throughout the program by keeping the grass cut and the park clean. The children expressed their thanks by giving Dan Dodd a folder of drawings to share with the rest of the folks at Community Action of Armstrong County.

Next year they plan to bring the lunch program back and Mary Ralston of the Parks Township Borough office expressed that she would like to add the parks in Kepple Hill and North Vandergrift.