ADSS To Host Community Color Walk & Egg Hunt Saturday
Courtesy of the Altamaha Down Syndrome Society
The Altamaha Down Syndrome Society (ADSS) will unite the community in celebration of every person’s individuality, as they host their Uniquely Me Color Walk and Easter Egg Hunt, which is slated to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, in Mount Vernon.
ADSS was first created in 2022, after people in the community saw a need for an organization to bring families of individuals with special needs together to support one another and create a place where everyone is accepted and celebrated, regardless of ability or differences. The group’s first event was a walk to promote awareness and acceptance for individuals with special needs, as members of the community came out to remind everyone that “Differences Aren’t So Spooky” in October 2023.
“Our first walk was so encouraging because so many people came out in support of what we are doing. We’re really excited to get to do this again with our Color Walk and are hoping for the same level of support,” Society Director Makaylee Randolph remarked.
She explained that the group has planned to host the Color Walk for several years; yet, the weather always delayed the effort. “I have planned this walk three different times, and it has rained every single time,” Randolph shared with a laugh. “I guess the Lord was telling me it wasn’t time for it yet. Over the years, we’ve built a community of individuals who have become friends and attended several events, so maybe God was just giving us time to come together before we went out into the community again.”
Some events that the Society has hosted include sensory-friendly pool parties, a roller skating event, play days at local indoor playgrounds, and more. Randolph and members of her board have also interacted with the community, as they gave out sensory toys and information about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) at back to school events and helped to distribute information about various special needs throughout the years.
“One of the most wellattended events that we hosted was our Easter egg hunt last year. During this event, individuals with special needs were able to interact and play with children without special needs, and both groups benefitted from the interaction. The individuals with special needs were able to socialize and form connections with their peers; the children without special needs were able to learn that just because someone is different does not mean they should be shunned. If we can teach kids at a young age that special needs isn’t scary, we can completely change the stigma,” Randolph added.
What better day to celebrate those with special needs than on World Down Syndrome Day, which is recognized nationwide on March 21. “It’s not a coincidence that we picked that day for our walk,” Randolph said.
She continued, “Because of our Color Walk being near Easter, we decided to combine the two events so that people of all ages can celebrate and advocate for acceptance of those with special needs. We are hoping that we can help create a catalyst for change in our local area through this. Everyone deserves to feel like they have a place in this world and are valued, and we are working to remind people of that.”
Randolph credited the event’s sponsors for their contributions, as she stated that because of them, every dollar made on t-shirt sales and donations will go back into funding sensory- friendly events. “Our sponsors – Dot Foods, Vidalia 10 Minute Lube, The Messy Baker, and Audrey Esther LLC. – have been amazing and have covered every cost related to this event. We are also very grateful to Matt Waller and the City of Mount Vernon for allowing us to host these events in Mount Vernon and on Matt’s property. We couldn’t do this without their support,” she commented.
She said that the event will feature a one-mile celebratory color walk, followed by a small festival with vendors, kids activities, an egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. “This is our biggest event we have planned yet, and we are hoping for success. We will have several local vendors selling everything from clothes to sweets and more, and we will make sure that everyone leaves having felt loved and accepted,” she emphasized. “This isn’t just for individuals with special needs – this is for everyone. Inclusion isn’t just about making sure everyone has a place, but believing they belong there; by coming together at this event, we are teaching our surrounding community exactly what inclusion is all about.”
The event will be held at the grassy area beside the Montgomery County Courthouse, located at 400 South Railroad Avenue in Mount Vernon, is free for all to attend, but commemorative t-shirts will be sold as a fundraiser for the Society. Each t-shirt will cost $15 and will be available until sold out.
Attendees are advised to arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 10:55 a.m., as the walk will officially begin at 11 a.m. The Easter Egg Hunt will occur at around 12 p.m. after the walk. Vendors and kids activities will be available for the public to enjoy until 3 p.m.
“Please come out and celebrate with us! We look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating our differences,” Randolph concluded.
For more information, visit the Altamaha Down Syndrome Society Facebook page, or call or text Randolph at (912) 2531447.
