A day just for them

It’s a chance to make a difference in the life of a special needs child and it’s now in its 38th year.

Volunteer opportunities are still available for the 38th annual Corey’s Day on the Farm for Special Needs Children on Monday and Tuesday, May 9 and 10.

“We always need volunteers, adult volunteers,” said organizer and founder Coleta Corey.

The event first started at Nick and Coleta Corey’s Silverdale farm in 1968. It wasn’t until 1979 that it moved to the Kitsap County Fairgrounds where it is still held today. Each year hundreds of special needs children from Kitsap, Mason, Clallam and Jefferson counties attend the event. Coleta is still totaling the numbers, but expects there to be close to last year’s number of 941 students.

The days’ activities for the children include horse and pony rides, hay rides and a chance to see and pet small farm animals. There also will be face painting, free snow cones and a picture memento for each child. Mr. Friendly the clown also will be there to provide entertainment.

“All it takes is one smile from one child and it’s the best thing,” Coleta said. “It makes me happy to see them have a good time. It’s something that is geared exclusively for them.”

There is always space for more adult volunteers whose duties will include leading horses and walking with the children as they ride, helping with the hay rides and petting zoo, serving lunch and taking pictures.

“Many of the volunteers have been coming 20 or 30 years, but we can always fit new volunteers in,” Coleta said.

On both days, children arrive at about 9:30 a.m. and leave by 1:30 p.m.

To volunteer at the event call Coleta at (360) 692-4769.

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