United Way of Morris County News
Recent News

Family Service Hosts Old Fashioned Play Day
June 5, 2007

Children of all ages gathered Saturday, June 2, 2007 for Family Service of Morris County's first ever Community Play Day.  Hundreds of children and families of all diverse backgrounds came to Family Service's new facility on Elm Street to play – they hop scotched, blew bubbles, "fished" in the duck pond, made homemade play dough, constructed button dolls and paper hats, and "jumped through hoops."

According to Family Service of Morris County, "old-fashioned play" can move children away from solitary and sedentary video gaming and TV watching and can help to counter obesity, encourage positive social interaction, and the development of imagination.  The event was a perfect way to encourage opportunities for creative play, which leads to learning.

Community Play Day was organized by a host of United Way partners and friends, including the staff of several Morristown-based child care centers, the staff of Family Service's STEP-by-Step program, and JumpStart.  The STEP-by-Step program, funded in part by United Way, uniquely provides comprehensive, coordinated, and customized Social Work/Early Childhood Education services to over 1,100 children in Morris County as well as professional training and consultation to over 250 child care professionals.  The program also provides over 250 child care professionals at child care centers with professional training and consultation.

United Way of Morris County salutes long-time partner Family Service of Morris County for their continued commitment to helping children of all ages succeed.