On Tuesday, February 18, the GFWC Brandon Service League (BSL) held its Annual Very Special Arts event at First Baptist Church of Brandon. This event gives pre-school aged, special needs children an opportunity to go on a fun field-day filled with arts and crafts and entertainment.
The children are aided in their crafts and entertainment by volunteers from BSL and students from Durant High School’s “Students All Connected.” This year, on a glorious Florida day, the children got to make fancy hats, get their face or hand painted, watch a puppet show and much more.
Michelle Scolaro is the advisor for Durant’s SAC Club. Scolaro said, “We have about 20 students here. They look forward to this day every year. It gives them the opportunity to help the community. I also have some students who want to work with young children and exceptional students one day. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get first-hand experience.”
This annual event was started by Alice Storms, a charter member of the BSL. Storms was able to make a special guest appearance at this year’s event. Dianne Forester, President of BSL said, “This event gives special needs children an opportunity to experience an outing that is special and catered just for them.”
Cindy Martin, the VSA Project Chair for BSL said, “It’s an amazing event. The kids get to have so much fun.” Martin added, “It’s fortunate that we get to have Alice Storms here today to celebrate the day with us.”
The co-sponsor for the event is the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System of the ESE Department with Hillsborough County Public Schools. In addition, this event would not be possible without contributions from First Baptist Church of Brandon who provided the venue along with McDonalds, Chick-fil-A and Publix.
The GFWC Brandon Service League has been serving the greater Brandon area for over 50 years. The Very Special Arts event is just one of many service projects that the members undertake each year. For more information on BSL, please visit their Website at www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.
