Rochester’s Recreation & Youth Services Partners with Healthi Kids to Provide At-Home Play Kits for Children

The City’s Department of Recreation & Youth Services (DRYS) has partnered with Healthi Kids to promote the power of play.  On Monday, May 4, team members from Healthi Kids and DRYS will meet at the Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium, 460 Oak St., to assemble 900 free play kits that kids can use at home.  The kits will be distributed, while supplies last, at the nine R-Centers that are currently serving as meal distribution sites.  The time will be from 8:30 am to noon today.

Research has shown that play is vital to the physical, social and emotional development of children. Play is a proven stress reliever and increases happiness. It also contributes to healthy brain development, creativity, strong muscles, and the ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts.

Recent stay-at-home orders and the closures of schools, R-Centers and playgrounds caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the mental, physical and emotional well-being of children and parents.  The play kits, which will include chalk, bubbles, kites and other items, will provide opportunities for youth and their caregivers to cope with social distancing requirements and spend recreational time together at home.

Kits will be available for pick-up at the following R-Center locations: Adams Street, 85 Adams St.; Avenue D, 200 Ave. D; Carter Street, 500 Carter St.; Tyshaun Cauldwell, 524 Campbell St.; Frederick Douglass, 990 South Ave.; Flint Street, 271 Flint St.; David Gantt, 700 North St.; Trenton & Pamela Jackson (Clinton-Baden), 485 N. Clinton Ave.; and Thomas Ryan, 530 Webster Ave.

Healthi Kids is a grass roots community coalition and an initiative of Common Ground Health that advocates for policies and resources that allow children to lead healthier lives in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

Date:                     Monday, May 4, 2020

Time:                     8:30 a.m. – Noon