Darryl Holsey believes in children and believes in giving them what they need to become productive adults.

And one way he does that is through coordinating the summer lunch program at Troup County Parks and Recreation, where he is recreation program specialist.

“The summer lunch program was the first program given to me by the then-director of the parks and recreation department, Jim Herbert,” Holsey said. “I already had some prior knowledge of the program because I had worked as a summer playground supervisor during previous summers.”

The government-funded program feeds needy children during the summer break from school.

“The whole idea is to provide a meal to children in the community who might not otherwise get a meal the entire day,” he said.

But the recreation department took it a step further.

“When the recreation department got involved, it was decided that with all the rules and regulations by the state department we should offer a little more than just a free lunch to the children of this community. We decided to give the children a well-supervised program that included the free meal,” Holsey said.

The meals are handled at playground sites where children can take part in games and activities under adult supervision. Registration is free for those 18 and younger.

“The target areas of the program are areas where there are pockets of poverty or, if using school data, the children are eligbile for free or 50 percent reduced-price lunches,” Holsey said.

“The state accepts bids from local vendors and funds the program, and we order the food from the winner of the bids. The food is then prepared and packaged by school cafeteria workers and part-time Troup County Parks and Recreation staff at one of the local school cafeterias.”

Though the program ends Friday, Holsey is proud of the results for the year.

“We served more than 600 meals per day to the participants,” he said.

Holsey said the program always can use assistance.

“We would be happy to have donations from businesses and individuals alike. We can always use arts and craft supplies, playground supplies and equipment. And if there are individuals who just want to give some of their time back to the kids and the community, they can volunteer,” he said.

Restaurants donate free and discount coupons as prizes for the children for participating in the games and activities at the lunch program sites.

Even though the program is ending for the summer, Holsey said residents can sign up to be a volunteer or donate for next year.

“We will welcome them with open arms,” he said.

n For more information, call Holsey at Troup County Parks and Recreation at (706) 884-1670.