Third Annual Kid’s Day planned

Manning is gearing up for the third consecutive Kids Day.

Former school administrator and now retired educator Todd Heldreth was hoping to grow the notion of Character Development.

With county and school support and the third Kids Day coming in late September, he feels it is on the right path to make a difference in the life of kids of Clarendon County.

“The kids love it,” said Heldreth. “It’s a good thing and it has done a lot for our county. Anything we do is open to all the kids in Clarendon County in that age group.”

Kids Day is an event that is for children from kindergarten through the fifth grade and their friends and families to come and enjoy a day of games, fun and lessons.

The event is only open for three hours but the ideas everyone takes away are more valuable than anything.

Kids that are older that are in the junior high and high schools volunteer for the day.

Heldreth said that even though the event is not directed toward them, they still have an impact on the kids they interact with.

“This offers them a chance to come to an event that requires absolutely no money,” said Heldreth. “It’s for children and their parents.  A lot of the older kids from the junior high and high school volunteer and help us with this kids day. So we involve every age group.”

Kids Day involves many different types of activities such as mascots and booths.

Some of the mascots are Ronald McDonald, Charleston River Dog, Smokey the Bear and Cocky from the University of South Carolina.

Some of the booths feature games while others are give-aways and give free advice or handouts.

One of the big ones is Alcolu Equestrian.

They bring some domesticated animals and kids get the chance to play and interact with animals they might otherwise not get the chance to.

“They come with dogs and cats and horses and kids get to be buddies with the animals,” said Heldreth. “It’s just a fun day and I don’t think any one thing dominates kids day. I think everybody has something to offer children and their parents.”

The police department, fire department and department of natural resources are other units that bring their profession to the event.

One thing Heldreth wanted to enforce is that the Kids Day is not about money.

That means that the event is not out to make money and one reason for the free entry.

The only money involved comes from the money given from sponsors that is turned right around and given toward scholarships and educational purposes.

“It generates funds for scholarships for high school seniors based on character,” Heldreth said. “The scholarship is based on character and the schools in that community; their staff determines who gets that money.”

Money gained from sponsors is also given to other causes as well such as the United Ministries and Habitat for Humanity.

There are also other causes that may be considered a need for funding and that is another way money is divided.

“All of the money is dispersed,” Heldreth said. “In each community, we support a cause that the community designates as something that they have a need for.”

 One of the bigger treats for this year’s event will be the presence of Miss South Carolina Kelly Sloan.

She will be on hand to perform at the event and will take time for pictures and autographs.

Kids day will take place on September 25th, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be in the open field behind Manning High School.