This year’s Lights on Afterschool event in Alachua County leaned into a fall festival theme this year, but the games and tables were not limited to pumpkin ring toss and sack races. Children picked up free books and cake, jumped in bounce houses and played tug-of-war under the afternoon sun on Thursday.
Lights On Afterschool is a national celebration in its 25th year, which promotes accessible afterschool programs to families and children. This year, the Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC) partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida to host the event for the county’s fourth time.
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County funds seven afterschool programs in Alachua County, which CTAC Executive Director Marsha Kiner said serve more than 400 children in grades K-12.
“[This is event is] really to celebrate what our providers are doing every day with our young people,” Kiner said in an interview. “It’s another opportunity for us to showcase and highlight the wonderful work of afterschool programs and the difference that it makes in the lives of children and families.”
Kiner said research has shown that afterschool programs keep children out of trouble, provide a safe environment, and provide support that spans from social and emotional support to academic support, like tutoring.
Deonte Lee, Unit Director for the Boys & Girls Club at 2661 NW 51st St. in Gainesville, said his organization brings in certified teachers for tutoring and homework, but also provides activities and games that let the children have fun.
The Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County merged with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida in March of 2020, according to the website, and Lee said the organization was not ready to host Lights on Afterschool last year, so the Deeper Purpose Kids Academy partnered with CTAC for the third annual event at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs.
This year, Lee said Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has settled in more and was eager to host the event.
“You see the babies, you see the kids,” Lee said in a speech. “This is what we do it for. This is the next generation. Maybe the next president is in this group, you never know.”
Multiple afterschool programs and the surrounding community were invited to join in the fall festival-themed event, and over a hundred children turned up. Beyond games, the event also featured food trucks, tables from community organizations, a DJ, free books and photo opportunities.
Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell presented a county proclamation declaring Oct. 24, 2024, to be “Lights on Afterschool Day,” and the city of Gainesville also sent a similar proclamation. Cornell’s fellow CTAC board member Tina Certain was also present, as well as Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey.
