Aaron’s Acres Holds Event

April 13 was a record-setting day for Aaron’s Acres, Lancaster, a local organization that provides respite programs and a summer camp for developmentally disabled children. The organization’s 10th annual daylong Volley for Kids fundraiser, which was held at Franklin and Marshall College’s Alumni Sports and Fitness Center, resulted in donations of more than $52,800, a new high for the organization. The funds raised exceeded the original goal of $40,000.

At the event, more than 60 teams from all over Lancaster County participated in games of volleyball. Teams included groups from area schools, temples, churches, colleges, offices, and law practices. The event also featured refreshments and team prizes.

According to Risa Paskoff, the director of Aaron’s Acres, the funds raised will be used to provide equipment and additional programs for the children with special needs whom Aaron’s Acres serves. The funds will also be used to provide camp scholarships for families with financial need.

The Volley for Kids fundraiser also marked another milestone for Aaron’s Acres. The organization recently graduated from being a branch of United Disabilities Services to standing as its own independent agency.

Aaron’s Acres, named in honor of a child whose parent was a founder of the program, was founded in 1998 by a group of parents of special-needs children who wanted to create a child-centered program that included the entire family. The organization expanded to include monthly support and respite services. Aaron’s Acres now reaches families throughout Pennsylvania through its locations in Lancaster, Reading, Ephrata, and Harrisburg.

Aaron’s Acres also serves the community by providing educational opportunities, field placements, and internships for undergraduate- and graduate-level students earning related degrees in local colleges and universities. The program creates community service opportunities for middle- and high-school students, as well.

For more information about Aaron’s Acres, readers may call Risa Paskoff at 917-6101.

4 acres 0528

0507-0528, All Lanc. Co.