Face Painting at Carnival for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

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We are in need of artists who have some experience face painting to volunteer their time and skills at an outdoor carnival for children and youth.

On August 2, 2019, Drexel University College of Medicine, in partnership with the Center for Children, and Youth with Special Health Care Needs at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is holding the 9th Annual Back to School Carnival and Resource Fair. The free community event was a huge success last year and we estimate that we served at least 2,000 patients and their families, giving out over 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies

The Carnival directly benefits patients and children in the North Philadelphia community (the poorest region of Philadelphia). A startling number of families in Philadelphia live in deep poverty, meaning a family of four earns approximately $12,000 per year or less. Living in deep poverty often means a lack of running water, electric or heat. Children living in deep poverty, on average, score much lower in school than their peers, and experience heightened levels of social dysfunction, violence, hunger, and stress beyond what a child should endure.

The Carnival is one of the few free outdoor recreational events in North Philadelphia. Each year the Carnival grows, and we are able to help more children and their families. The Carnival provides families with free food, games, entertainment and opportunities for organized physical activity, health education and hands-on learning. Additionally, public service agencies throughout the city attend to educate children and families about the services they offer. Last year almost 50 agencies staffed resource tables. There is a focus on children with chronic medical needs and developmental delays. Special needs organizations that will attend include the Drexel Autism Institute, early intervention, and medical equipment providers.