Children always come first — it is a theme that seems to have faded amid a statewide financial crisis. Budget cuts throughout the state have impacted a variety of children’s programs — whether they are for education, financial assistance or even physical care.
Such financial difficulties have not only placed school districts in a difficult situation forcing them to make cuts, but they have created challenges for a number of families that are in much need of assistance.
Cuts in education funding and not-for-profit grants have hit the the very foundation of youth development. Many parents are left with few options to support their children’s futures. Some have to work more to afford quality education for their kids, which has in turn narrowed their ability to spend more time with their children.
The state’s financial crisis has created a domino effect, one that has forced a number of families to pick up the pieces themselves.
In Morton, it’s these families that are often forgotten. No, this town is not known for its financial hardships. Undoubtedly, Morton is best known as a wealthier community in Central Illinois. It would be a mistake, however, for anyone to assume that every family is living comfortably. There are hundreds of at-risk or low-income children in Morton that could use a helping hand.
Programs like BACE in Morton — a before- and after-school children’s program — exist to not only offer support for children who need assistance, but also raise awareness that there are families in Morton that could use some extra help.
Saturday is the second annual Kids’ Day in Morton. It is a family-friendly event that will not only provide entertainment for children, but also offer a necessary service for parents at no cost. The Morton Masons will offer free child identification kits as part of the Illinois Child Identification Program, which encourages local masonic lodges to provide the service at neighborhood functions. Parents can build a package to help authorities find their lost child in the event of an emergency.
During the event, children can take part in a balloon release, explore emergency vehicles or participate in a water balloon volleyball game.
What is even better about the event is that all proceeds will support BACE. Additionally, residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the event to boost BACE’s food pantry, which serves a number of local families.
While Morton is known as a wealthier community, its residents are also known for offering help where it is needed. Families should take this opportunity to not only have some fun, but to lend assistance to the little ones — because they should still come first.
