Kids Appreciation Day at Advance America

Bethany Jones, right, Richard Dickinson and Crystal, 3, during Kids Appreciation Day. Submitted

Advance America, a check-cashing money-advance company, held a Kids Appreciation Day at its store in the Safeway shopping plaza Aug. 20.

More than 400 kids ages 3-11 and their parents enjoyed free hot dogs and lemonade with drawings held for bikes and backpacks stuffed with school supplies.

Staff members said they were impressed with the large turnout, considering it was held the same day as the Klamath Salmon Festival and Smith River Days.

 Gift certificates, toys, art supplies and other donated items came from such businesses as Ray’s, McDonalds, Spotlight Video, Papa Murphy’s, Home Depot, Walmart, Jack in the Box and Safeway.

A few members of the Police Explorers were on hand to assist with the festivities, including fingerprinting.

“It was a wonderful experience and a great joy in being able to give to our community,” said assistant manager Lucky Lockhart. “It couldn’t have been so good without the assistance and support of our community and local businesses.”