Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Over 1,000 parents, children and residents paraded through the Wayman Palmer YMCA on Saturday, December 18. A local community agency, The Movement, in collaboration with several local resource vendors provided access to free Covid-19 take-home tests, Covid-19 vaccine for children and adults, and also adult booster doses.
Even the rain didn’t stop a steady stream of people from lining up outside the building and around the parking lot until they were able to enter the building. Once they entered the building, individuals were checked in before ultimately receiving the vaccine. There were additional benefits to families besides the free tests and vaccines.
Children were able to take a picture with Santa and receive a printed copy, receive age-appropriate gift and/or bike, and enjoy a room of games such as eight-year-old Raina Rucker did with her mother. Parents were eligible to receive a variety of different gift cards and learn about community resources.
Several community vendors were present including: Lucas County Children Services, Neighborhood Properties, Inc, the Wellness Center, Area Office on Aging, Pathway Inc, Toledo Lucas County Library and Books 4 Buddies.
“There’s a need in our community, there are people who don’t have cars or transportation. Since the number of people infected with Covid is growing, we need to bring the resources to the people. I see so many kids that are making their parents get vaccinated because shots save lives,” explained Tina Butts, the Movement, director.
According to the Toledo Lucas County Health Department website booster doses are authorized for full-vaccinated individuals who are 18 years of age or older, who received Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. Children between five-17 years of age are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. Visit the website for additional information https://lucascountyhealth.com/covidvaccine.
