Children of the City and Partners Provide Place for Children to Play and Parents to Receive Free Services

Children of the City again partnered with local and citywide nonprofit groups, and volunteers from all over New York to engage disadvantaged children and families by hosting a Carnival with all the food and festivities-free of charge.

Volunteers from all over New York came alongside Children of the City and its team of volunteers on Saturday May 15, 2010 to put together a day of fun and games, including a watermelon eating contest, relay races, and more in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Children participated in a number of games and contests, visited various arts & crafts booths, and had their faces painted by a dozen local artists. Thanks to the generous support of partner Health Plus, hundreds of children also enjoyed two large-inflatable fun rides. The Public Library sent the Bibliobús, a travelling Spanish-language collection of books and works, and the local fire department sent their trucks; the 72nd Precinct was on-hand to register and etch bikes as part of their anti-theft campaign, and several bands performed musical selections. Goods were generously donated by C-Town Supermarket, Resurrection Church, and Health Plus. In addition, there were over twenty various community service providers and partners educating the families and providing various health screenings 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.”

Children of the City has been providing programs and services focused on helping to brighten the future of underprivileged children in 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.