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MANSFIELD – On a beautiful sunny and breezy Saturday in August, Strohecker Vision Care in Mansfield hosted their fifth Community Kids Day. A total of twenty-eight organizations, individuals, and businesses participated in the event that was held on the Main Street sidewalks in front and in back of Strohecker Vision Care and filled the FCCB parking lot. Meghan Fitzgerald, Office Manager, has been the lead organizer with the entire staff helping to plan and execute the event.

Fitzgerald shared that the purpose of Community Kids Day is to have an opportunity to invest in the kids in our community. To give families the opportunity to go to a FREE event and make memories with their kids, while also providing awareness of community resources.

“Five years ago, Dr. Strohecker and Dr. Kibler wanted to find a way to make sure kids and families were comfortable coming to get eye exams. After some brainstorming, we came up with the idea to have kids bring stuffed animals with them to the office, and come in our doors and have some fun; so the doctors could do eye exam on the animals, in front of the child so they wouldn’t be intimidated or scared and knew how important and easy an eye exam is, especially here at Strohecker Vision Care. We pride ourselves on serving families and providing the most comfortable/enjoyable/personalized experience possible.” stated Fitzgerald.

Approximately 400 people attended the afternoon event which included crafts, painting, book sales, food, and vendors with unique creations. There were also give-a-ways, a mascot, a fire engine, face painting, bounce houses, games, juice bar, prize station, stuffed animal eye exams, story time corner, a “kiddy korner” with chalk, bubbles and water, a chicken BBQ, some free food, and a DJ.

Fitzgerald and the staff usually spend the first 6 months of the year planning their Community Kids Day. To make it a success it takes not only the staff, but also family members including husbands, kids and parents. After the big day, they turn their focus toward planning the annual Christmas Window which is always exciting to see!

When asked if there was anything else she would like to share about the event, Fitzgerald said, “Just a thank you to everyone who helped, attended, and supported the event. It was an incredible turnout, over 4 times more than we’d ever imagined. We were honored so many people made the choice to invest in the community and in our kids! It was so much fun!”

The date is already set for next year’s Community Kids Day. It will have a farm-theme and take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Be sure to plan on attending with your whole family and stuffed animals!