LINDEN-Smiling faces, good food and lots of fun were all on the menu for Thursday’s annual Marengo County Department of Human Resources Foster Children’s Picnic at Chickasaw Park.

Parents, children and volunteers from all over the county made their way to the park for the special day which gave foster parents and children a chance to gather and enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and fun activities.

This year’s event, which was sponsored by Cornerstone Church, was a huge success as people steadily made their way to the park. Charlotte Webb, of the Marengo County DHR, said they were very excited about the number who volunteered and participated.

“We had several members of the church and several other people volunteer,” Webb said. “Altogether, there were about 65 or 75 people there.”

Several people played a key role in making the picnic possible from Cornerstone Church, Pat Dixon, Judge Wade Drinkard and his wife Glenna to the numerous other contributors. Webb said the children also had some special treats throughout the afternoon.

“Elizabeth Ayers, our Quality Assurance team member had the snow cone machine,” Webb said. “That was a special treat for us this year. John Weaver also brought in the fire truck for us, which was such a treat for the kids.”

Children and parents were invited to ride the fire truck around the park, which was the perfect ending to a great afternoon.

The picnic was especially successful because of the mixture of different people. Webb said it was very satisfying to see everyone come together and have a good time.

“Many of them were foster parents and foster children,” Webb said. “There were also a lot of biological parents and children there too. It was great to have that mix and have everyone enjoy the afternoon together.”

The picnic was a celebration of Foster Care Month, which has taken place throughout the month of May. The monthly celebration also included a banquet for Foster Parent’s on May 11.

One of the reasons for the month long celebration it to recruit new foster parents. There is a great demand for parents in Alabama as well as the United States. Those who would like more information about becoming a foster parent may call1-866-4AL-KIDS.

Interested parties may also gain information by attending an information meeting in the area where they can discuss the scope and requirements of being a foster or adoptive parent.

The meetings give basic information and questions are welcome. Your local DFPS office will furnish this information if there are no informational meetings in the area.