Special Events

a. Train Park Picnic

Each year in January, in conjunction with the Model Railroading Society, Arizonans for Children holds a picnic at the Adobe Model Train Park. In addition to being served a hot picnic lunch, the children play with the numerous model trains and are instructed about their operation by members of the model train society. Four trains that both adults and children can ride on operate continuously during the picnic. Each train holds 25 people and each ride lasts for 30 minutes. The trains travel into the desert through miniature cowboy towns, ranches and farms. As soon as the ride ends the children get right back in line for the next train.

b. Art Day

Once a year we hold Art Day at the Visitation Center. The children are involved in art projects and a dance performance. Snacks and drinks are also served. This event allows the children to express their creativity and have fun at the same time.

c. Pumpkin Painting Day

Every October, in conjunction with Arizona Children’s Association, we hold a party at the Visitation Center where foster children of all ages decorate Halloween pumpkins with paint. Laughter, paint and a big mess result---plus some very scary pumpkins. Arizonans for Children serves food and drinks. The children take the pumpkins with them when they leave.

d. Train Ride to Wickenburg

Every October, Arizonans for Children arranges with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad to take foster children on a train ride in the deluxe train cars used in the 60’s and 70’s. The Railroad brings the lounge cars, dome cars and passenger cars from Wichita, Kansas. The train also has children from the Burn Unit and Make a Wish Foundation on the train. A total of 480 people make the 4-hour trip. AFC brings clowns who do face painting on this trip. By the time the train docks every child on the train has been face painted.

e. Children's Holiday Party

Every year in December AFC holds a holiday party at the Monroe Center. In 2005, the Center was completely decorated with holiday decorations. We served a hot meal of roast beef, spaghetti and meatballs, mash potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob and brownies. A pianist played holiday songs all during the party and the words to the songs were put on the wall with power point so the children could sing along. Santa made an appearance and then the presents were distributed. Each present had the child’s name on it. 219 people attended and each child received three gifts each. One child stated that it was the best day of his life.

f. Health Day

Once a year, in conjunction with the nursing students from Canyon State College, AFC holds Health Day at the Monroe Center. The nursing students perform fun and entertaining skits that teach basic hygiene and health care to the children and their parents.

g. Days of Beauty

In conjunction with Earl’s Academy of Beauty, AFC treats 40 teenagers (both boys and girls) a month to a haircut and style, a manicure, a pedicure, facial and makeup. The kids also receive a brief lecture about skin and hair care. This popular new program increases their self-esteem and feelings of self worth.

h. Monthly Birthday Party

Every month AFC holds a party for every child that has a birthday that month. The birthday children invite their friends, relatives and other members of their group home. These parties vary in scope and entertainment. One party was held at the Peoria Visitation Center and AFC brought in a petting zoo with horses, ducks, chickens, goats, bunnies and donkeys. Another party was held at the Glendale swimming pool. Another was at a roller skating rink. Most of the parties are at the Monroe Visitation Center where the children are entertained by face painting clowns, a magician, a dog that does tricks, a live rock band, and a balloon artist. Each birthday child receives a bag full of presents. Cold Stone Creamery always donates an ice cream birthday cake.

With your help we can extend the hours of operation and have even more programs available for our community’s less fortunate kids.

We have a great need for volunteers to staff both Centers.

In doing so, you will be making a huge difference in the quality of life for these children.

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