Town&Gown certainly has a focus on kids this month — and it’s the perfect time to do so! Of course, February is when Thon happens. The event hits its 40th year of raising money for the Four Diamonds Fund, and it has raised more than $137 million for the fund in its fight against pediatric cancer.
It’s one of the highlights in Happy Valley each year, when the Penn State students raise the numbers showing how much money was raised over the past 12 months to help those families who have children with cancer.
Not to date myself, but when I attended Penn State, Thon took place in the White Building and it was this nice little event that students did. It was during my college years that Thon first topped $1 million in the money it raised. A few years later, it had moved to Rec Hall and soon after that to its current home in the Bryce Jordan Center.
In Jenna Spinelle’s story this month, “Forever For The Kids,” several people talk about the impact Thon made — and continues to make — on their lives. From former dancers to former Four Diamonds children, each continues to feel a strong connection to Thon.
Families also feel a strong connection to Park Forest Preschool, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The tuition-free school is for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old children from low-income families.
Jennifer Miller’s story, “Thinking about the Children,” shows how the school helps prepare kids from families in need for kindergarten. Like Thon, the preschool had humble beginnings but has grown to become a special part of Happy Valley.
Then, be sure to check out Town&Gown’s Parenting, a special insert with this issue. It has stories on everything from ways to have your kids healthier to winter activities for the whole family to helping your children when it comes to mental health and addressing social media concerns.
As I wrote about in last year’s Parenting issue, several staff members at Town&Gown (including yours truly) have children who range in age from teens to as young as 1 year old. Besides obviously caring about our children, we care about the communities they’re growing up in and the quality of life they’re experiencing.
Which is why, at least from my standpoint, I love raising my children here. We have quality schools, we have parks and other great outdoor areas for kids to be active in, we have an amazing public library, we have resources for parents, and so much more.
I believe we live in a community that truly cares about its youngest members and looks to help those who need help, whether because of financial reasons, health reasons, or other reasons.
We’re a region that has a focus on kids and families, not just this month but year-round.
