The third annual Caring for the City Day was a huge success. This day is co-hosted by Care-A-Van Ministries and dentists Russ Marchese and Marcella Morales-Ross and staff. This year the team was joined by 19 local agencies and churches as well. The main event of the day is the free dental clinic. Sixty patients received free dental services ranging from X-rays and cleanings, to fillings and extractions. The patients ranged in age from young children to the elderly. The clinic is held for those who do not have dental insurance.
Batavia Photo Club was on hand and offered free family portraits to the families. The families could actutally have their picture taken and it was printed on the spot. One couple noted that they had not had a family portrait taken in 13 years. Free haircuts were given by Michelle Andre and Ellen Stanton. P.C. Publications was giving away free books to all who attended. Fidelis Health Care and Lake Plains were on hand to help those who did not have health insurance apply for benefits.
Emmanuel Baptist Church member Heidi Richmond did free face painting for the children. Community Action staff and volunteers offered a variety of goodies. Salvation Army was on the grounds offering their services and a variety of free bread to all. Other agencies and churches participating were: Agri-Business Child Development; Cornell Co-Op; UMMC; Office for the Aging; Indepdent Living; GCASA Smoke Free Program; St. Paul Lutheran Church; Habitat for Humanity; and there was a prayer table hosted by Pastor Charlie Piscitello and his wife, Judy.
Care-A-Van Ministries wants to thank Russ, Marcela and team and all of the agencies, churches and volunteers who helped make this day possible. You all truly made a difference for those living in your community! Be sure to check out Care-A-Van's Facebook page for all pictures from this event.
Awesome job! Nice to see
Awesome job! Nice to see that this yearly tradition is still going strong.