When I think back to the last week, a big smile spreads across my face.

Let me start from the beginning.

A few months ago, my friend Tammy Ginocchetti told me about an elementary school event she was planning. I was immediately excited. From the beginning, it seemed like a great idea.

She was in the process of planning a back-to-school party at Dr. David W. Kistler Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre with the goal of making the children feel good. With the start of school fast approaching, it would be something fun that special children could participate in.

She enlisted the help of her colleagues at Luzerne County Children & Youth (including my friends Rose and Mackenzie) and the planning began.

The result was a wonderful day full of humanity, care and joy.

The children got haircuts, school supplies and a small party (with pizza, ice cream, music and balloons).

It was a six-hour day where teachers, beauticians, local business owners and others donated their time to make the children feel special.

I have seen how much the staff at Luzerne County Children and Youth Services care about the children, how well the community has embraced the idea, and how supportive the school administration has been.

My job was to stand outside and direct families (so if you saw me standing on Old River Road for six hours last Monday, the slight sunburn was for a good cause).

I enjoyed getting to know the parents and children, showing them the way to the gym and then seeing their faces as they left the gym.

We heard one child say, “This is the best day ever.” How awesome is that?

Most of these kids really enjoyed the day. They got their hair cut, their nails done, got new binders, ate pizza at Gerry’s, feasted on food from Patte’s Sports Bar & Restaurant, ate ice cream from Junior’s Ice Cream Truck, and had a little fun.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten others who donated and contributed, but that’s because it was such a collaborative, joint effort by children and youth, Kistler employees and the community.

Parents and caregivers felt the support. Things they would normally plan or buy for the children were done at this event.

The haircuts were especially important because the children will soon be taking back-to-school photos. As we know, some families struggle to raise money for such a basic amenity, so this event helped.

The families were also allowed to take home hygiene items from the nurse program (an initiative of the United Way of Wyoming Valley).

This was an inspiring idea – one that put children and their often underestimated parents and caregivers at the centre.

The event brought a smile to my face and I am sure its impact will be felt by the families it supports throughout the year.