Newton YMCA event dedicated to keeping youth active

The Newton YMCA will once again be hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1701 S. Eighth Ave. E.

The free event is open to the public, both members and nonmembers are welcome. Event organizer, Lucas Hughes, director of operations at the Newton YMCA, said the main goal of the event is to help combat the sedentary months of summer as local youth get out of school for the year.

“Instead of being inside playing video games or watching TV, we can find other active ways to get our youth out there and keep moving,” Hughes said.

The Newton Y has been hosting this event for a while, but Hughes said for the last several years they have really been focusing on the collaborative aspect. The event boasts more than 20 vendors with different activities and information for kids to use.

Walmart is the biggest sponsor of the event, awarding a $1,000 grant to the Newton Y. Hughes said the money will be put to use providing snacks for every child who attends.

One of the main features will be the Jasper County Health Department performing free car seat safety checks. They will also be giving away free car seats if the person’s current seat is expired.

Becky Pryor, director of the JCHD, said they made the car seat safety check a part of the event because they understand the importance of injury prevention for children. It is also a way to continue the mission for Jasper County Safe Kids, a new chapter of Safe Kids Iowa.

“We have a car seat technician, Melissa Gary on staff, and we also have a supply of car seats. We partnered with the Newton Police Department Officer Julie Britton, to be able to offer the event free of charge,” Pryor said.

The JCHD received funds from multiple organizations like the Newton Noon Kiwanis, Love Our Kids and other donations and prevention funds to make the car seat check happen. If someone is unable to attend the event and needs a child safety check, they can contact the JCHD at 641-787-9224 to schedule a time.

“As supplies last, we will have free car seats available to those who qualify,” Pryor said.

She added the JCHD will also have a public health booth at the YMCA’s Healthy Kids event with other educational giveaways.

Some of the other vendors who will be at the event include the National Guard, Newton Fire Department, Newton Police Department, Centre for Arts and Artists, Newton Public Library, MercyOne Newton Medical Center, Parents as Teachers, Zumbini with Rosa, among others.

Hughes said it was important when organizing the event to get a variety of vendors and sponsors in order to provide different creative services for kids to enjoy. He said organizations like the Newton Public Library will be on hand to be sure kids are also staying mentally healthy as well as physically active.

“Healthy doesn’t just mean the physical side of it but the mental side, as well. So reading books during the summer is always a good thing,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the Healthy Kids Day vendors will be set up outside on the fields and inside the Y in the gym area. Hughes highlighted several of the activities planned with one being from the Parents as Teachers program. They will have a “farm-themed story center” for kids to take part. The National Guard will have a big inflatable slide and MercyOne Newton plans to do an obstacle course, he added.

Hughes said the event is for all ages of kids interested in coming to learn what the community has to offer. He said kids up to high school are welcome to attend.

“It is important to continue to support the children in our community with healthy lifestyles. The children are the future and promoting their health and well-being is a focus of Jasper County. It is a great collaboration when community partners gather and promote resources in our community,” Pryor said.

For more information about the event, contact the Newton YMCA at 641-792-4006.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com