It's fair time and Wood Lane has an exhibit. We have new four-color banners and the photos of individuals who receive services are eye catchers as people pass by.
But, crayons, SillyBandz and bags? We always rack our brains to find ways to get people to stop at our display. If I know someone, it's easy to strike up a conversation. It's not that I don't know many people (well maybe I don't) but there sure are allot of unfamiliar faces at fair time.
Yesterday, I worked our booth and had a great time with Dave who is a fellow staff member. In two hours, I can't tell you how many people stopped by. Kids picked up crayons and coloring sheets that showed kids with and without disabilities playing. (We used the "Just Like You" theme). And then there were those kids and teenagers who were just ecstatic about searching through a pile SillyBandz. It was amazing to see how excited they were about collecting what I see as pretty rubber bands (there are some pretty cool shapes though). And then there were the adults - they smiled as they left our booth with a packet of seeds for next spring (they were "Forget Me Nots" and had the Wood Lane and Arc logo on the packet.) Rounding out our conversation starters collective were cloth tote bags compliments of the Family and Children First Council in Wood County.
The results were refreshing. People stayed for a minute or two. Some shared that they had a neighbor, relative, or co-worker with a disability. One mom talked to her son about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the importance of expectant moms not drinking. Some wanted volunteer information. And some. . .well they just wanted the giveaways. That's OK too.
It was a joy to have the opportunity to talk about the program I love, the individuals we serve and their families.
And to think that crayons were only for colorings, SillyBandz were just for collecting and a bag's only purpose was to carry "stuff." -------Yesterday, they were key to creating community connections at the fair.
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