Pumpkin Giveaway brings smiles to local kids

Pictured at the Optimist Club of Petersburg’s Pumpkin Giveaway Oct. 25, in the front row from left, are Donna, Maya, Reese and Optimist Danny. In the back row, from left, are Optimist Al, Optimist John and Victoria. Photo courtesy of Optimist Club of Petersburg

By Diane Danen

The Optimist Club of Petersburg held its third annual Youth Pumpkin Giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Thanks to a generous donation from Herle’s Country Farm Market in St. Agatha, kids were able to stop by Bechthold Home Improvements in Petersburg between 9 a.m. and noon to pick out their very own pumpkin.

Kids are encouraged to send a photo of their carved pumpkins to the Optimist Club by Oct. 30 for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards to stores like Mastermind, where they can choose a fun and educational game or activity.

Club president Warren Bechthold said the crowd may have been smaller than at some events, but the smiles were big.

“If giving out the pumpkins puts a smile on one child’s face, that makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

The Optimist Club plans to host the event again next year and hopes to see even more happy faces.

Next up, the club invites families to join them for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Petersburg. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy some holiday fun.