Submitted by Cindy Dickinson
July 10, 2014 9:00 a.m.
At the Roberts Boys & Girls Club in Fernandina Beach, Summer Camp means learning and having fun. On June 24, the Club members, with the help of some very dedicated folks from Kohl’s stores had the opportunity to do just that with a Club Field Day.
Kohl’s Associates in Action is a program based on the concept that everyone has the ability to make a positive difference by volunteering with organizations that serve young people. Brent Emmett, Kohl’s District Manager led the group and explains that store managers incorporate community service volunteer time with their district meetings and find that the time they spend with children to be specially rewarding.
Field Day activities that took placed included hula hoops, tug of war and various races, but the highlight of the day was definitely the kickball game. After a quick late morning snack and a question and answer session, two teams took to the field. Each team consisted of Kohl’s Associates, BGC Staff and the children; all of them were determined to have their team’s outcome be successful. Even though the game ended in a tie, the sentiment that prevailed was that “everyone was a winner”.
Smiles and laughter remained on faces throughout the day as kids and grown-ups interacted with each other. For the Boys & Girls Club members and staff the day was super. When the Kohl’s Associates in Action participants who had given their time and talents got ready to leave, the kids showed their appreciation by singing their Club song, Whitney Houston’s Count on Me!
A special shout out to the thirteen Kohl’s store managers who took part in all of the fun activities. Heather Reaves, Palm Coast, FL; Paulette Williams, Albany, GA; Phillip Battles, Savannah, GA; Flora Altavilla, Tallahassee, FL; Sarah Cantrell, Jacksonville, FL; Kim Braddock, Gainesville, FL; Diane Rodgers, Valdosta, GA; Gene Gessler, Melbourne, FL; Ray Campbell, Jacksonville SE, FL; Alan Curley, Port Orange, FL; Amanda Wheeler, Tallahassee, FL; Kim Skoglund, Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL and Katie Czekanski, Fleming Island, FL.
Editor’s Note: Cindy Dickinson was born and raised in Halesite, Long Island, New York. She received her Masters degree in Arts & Administration (MAA) from Barry University. Cindy and her husband, Frank are proud parents of 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. They enjoy boating around the Amelia Island water. We thank Cindy for her contribution to the Fernandina Observer.