Derrick Miller
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
When budget cuts forced the Stephens County Health Department to close some of it’s sections, the Fiesta in Fuqua program was one item to be lost as a result.
But people who had worked on the program for five years didn’t want to see the program fade into obscurity. Instead, they looked for someone who could take on the program.
Daisy Lawler took on the Fiesta in Fuqua event as chairwoman, and many volunteers from previous years have stayed involved to see the sixth annual program come to fruition.
On Saturday, the Fiesta in Fuqua will return to Fuqua Park. The program is designed to give children school supplies to start the school year, provide them with free health screenings, give them an opportunity to workout and supply them with a free meal of hot dogs.
“It’s going very well,” Lawler said. “I have all the supplies purchased. I’ve made contact with all the people donating food, tents.
“It’s all pretty well planned out.”
Lawler said the Health Department is no longer in charge of the program, but many people who have been involved since the Health Department ran the Fiesta are continuing to volunteer for the program.
But they aren’t the only one’s getting involved this year, though.
“New Hope (Baptist Church West) is taking over this year,” Lawler said.
Lawler said she was impressed by the number of people who have turned out to volunteer for the program. She said the committee that helped run the program in previous years is still in tact and has been an asset to getting this year’s program off the ground.
She said she has appreciated the help and looks forward to a successful event as a result.
“I’ve had a lot of help,” Lawler said. “There’s been a lot of young people wanting to help out.
“They’re very excited to help.”
She said some youths from the church and high school organizations have pitched in to get the program up and running. Lawler said many people have put a lot of work into the program because it’s a meaningful venture for the community.
“We’ve had a lot of support,” Lawler said. “The businesses have been supportive. People want to help the children. That’s what it’s all about.
“It takes a lot of volunteers to do something like this. A lot of people have stepped up. They’re excited to give their time at the park.”
Last year, about 900 bags containing school supplies were handed out to area children. This year, the committee plans to give away 970 bags of school supplies.
Lawler said she is anxious to watch the children having fun during the program.
“It’s all about the children,” Lawler said. “It should be a good day in the park.
“Hopefully, everything will go as planned.”
— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.
