Back-To-School Event Planned
When The Factory Ministries, located in the Together Community Center, 3293 E. Lincoln Highway, Paradise, began holding bingo for adults in the summer of 2021, organizers were careful to follow COVID-19 protocol. The event, which is still held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m., was situated in the gymnatorium with all parties wearing masks. According to Jessie Brown, adult advocate with The Factory Ministries, because the game attracted so many participants, it has never left the gym.
Now, The Factory has planned a special family-oriented bingo for Thursday, Aug. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. "Back-to-School Bingo will be a social event for the community," said Brown, who plans to have a larger prize table than usual with an emphasis on items children like to win. She is hoping for donations of fun items, such as glitter pens, brightly colored backpacks, and pencil cases.
According to Brown, bingo started to provide more adult social opportunities especially following the COVID-19 isolation. "(Bingo) is creating potential connections and becoming an easy on-ramp to The Factory Community," she said, adding that participants build relational resources and can easily earn Factory Bucks to use at The Factory Market by taking part.
With the large number of participants, Brown works hard to gather attractive prizes for the event. "People play with two cards at a time, so we have two winners per round," she noted. "Once a month we are giving out 25 to 35 prizes, (and we are doing this) all year round," said Brown, who is passionate about making sure the prize table offers fun, inviting, and new items. She is hoping area residents will donate quality items that appeal to retired adults. "I want prizes to be new or like new," she said, noting that prizes should be valued from $5 to $15 and that gift cards are always popular. Other prizes include craft kits, cozy socks and blankets, stuffed animals, potted plants, kitchen gadgets, and candles. "I really struggle to find prizes for guys," admitted Brown, who said that tools and duct tape have graced the table, along with electronics accessories, such as charging cords and earphones. She has received contributions of $50 from those who want to donate but would prefer not to shop for items.
The December bingo is a special event. "For Christmas, I like to have bigger prizes," said Brown, who said gift baskets and gift cards of $15 or more are among the items she hopes to line up. "I would like to have some items grandparents win to give to a grandchild," she said. "I have put donated toys out at Christmas."
In the future, Brown hopes local businesses or churches will sponsor bingo. "All new prizes would be $200 a month, and that would cover some snacks (as well)," said Brown.
Donated items for bingo may be dropped off at The Factory between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Readers who have questions about bingo events may call The Factory at 717-687-9594. Updated information about Factory events may be found by searching for "The Factory Community Board" on Facebook.
Leave a Review