OAKFIELD, Maine — Tiny tots were busy racing around the gymnasium of the Oakfield Community Center Thursday to help raise money for sick children as part of the 10th annual Trike-a-Thon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The event began as an annual community service project for Head Start and was spearheaded by Marilyn “Midge” Henderson who served as the family social worker at that time, explained Linda Slauenwhite, family service worker and Trike-a-Thon coordinator for the Aroostook County Action Program.
“Annually, ACAP Head Start centers are tasked with a community service project,” Slauenwhite said. “We also donate food to local pantries on this day.”
“Children have a wonderful day at this event,” Slauenwhite said. “It is also very well attended by family and community members.” Aside from riding their tricycles around the gym, the children also get a lesson in safety as a “moose” periodically appears in their path. The children also learn the basics of looking both ways before crossing an intersection or railroad tracks; wearing helmets; and recognizing different street signs and their meanings.
Not counting Thursday’s event, the Trike-a-Thon has raised $5,925 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“The project could not happen without the generous support of our families and community members,” Slauenwhite said. “We appreciate all of their support.”
Teachers for Head Start include Gabrielle Potvin and Bernadette Boulier, along with teacher aide Debbie Goodall and education technician Nicole Lyons.
Since its inception, St. Jude has developed protocols that have helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20 percent to 80 percent. The funds raised with the Trike-a-Thons treat the world’s sickest children, battling cancer and other deadly diseases for free, Slauenwhite said.
About 30 children between the ages of 3-5 are enrolled in the Head Start program in southern Aroostook County. Those that have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old by Oct. 15 and would like more information on Head Start can contact Slauenwhite at 757-8206.
