2001 Charity

The Elizabeth B. Ballard Community Center was established in 1969 as a community drop-in center for local youth. The center was housed in the Lincoln Elementary School Building which was built in 1915.

In 1979, the Ballard Center began focusing on academic programs for low income youth. An early childhood program soon followed in 1981. The Center was serving approximately 59 children between the ages of 1 to 5 years old.

Since then, the Ballard Center has branched out to provide not only the early childhood program, but emergency and commodity food programs such as a school supply program, medical prescription assistance and a children's clothes pantry. Through these programs, the Ballard Center provides service to around 300 individuals per month.

The Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade will provide the Balllard Center with playground equipment that is needed. The "Green Dinosaur" piece that will be installed is accessible for all children. The parade will also help pave the playground with a child friendly matting that is made form recycled rubber.

Any additional money raised will go toward the accreditation process that the Ballard Center is working to achieve.

Playground equipment for the Ballard Center