For the whole family

Susan Brinker - NewsPress

April 15, 2008 11:35 am

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Smart Start Oklahoma is celebrating April, also known as the “Month of the Young Child,” by recognizing the needs of young children and to thank early childhood professionals who are involved in building better futures for children.
During April, Smart Start Payne County is hosting two community events. The first event held will be a “Knead2Succeed” art supply drive hosted by Panera Bread, 113 W. Hall of Fame. It will run from 6:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Donated supplies will be used in learning geared toward newborns to 6-year-olds that will help promote family bonding as well as brain development.
Individuals who donate supplies will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Panera Bread gift certificate. Groups such as youth groups, civic organizations, classrooms and businesses who donate supplies, will be entered in a drawing to win a $200 Panera Bread gift certificate.
Art supplies needed include: Washable finger paint, washable markers, tempera paint, paint smocks, large sheets of sandpaper, play dough, clay, baby or mineral oil, small plastic sea shapes, glitter, contact paper, packing tape, various textured fabrics, Dixie cups, construction paper, colored sand, textured balls for babies, model magic clay, bright colored ribbons, touch and feel books, measuring cups and spoons, brightly colored tissue paper, double-sided magic water boards, lightweight fashion scarves and musical instruments for babies.
The second event will be Family Fun Fest 08, Smart Start Payne County’s annual health and safety fun fair, will be held April 26 in the Payne County Expo Center. Admission is free and will include free health screenings for hearing, vision, dental and more. There will be a “fun zone” that will include inflatables, Stillwater Children’s Museum traveling exhibits, Journey Back in Time pioneer living exhibit, and healthy snacks.
For information on these events or Smart Start Oklahoma, visit www.smartstartoklahoma.org or contact Smart Start Payne County at (405) 377-2786 or by e-mail at info@smartstartpc.org.