Bloomsburg Interact Club assists fair workers through Outreach Program

Bloomsburg High School’s Interact Club, a student service organization with more than 15 years of community involvement, once again put its mission into action by volunteering with the Columbia County Christian Fair Ministry Outreach Program.

The program, now in its second year, was created to support employees of Amusements of America, the company that runs the rides, games and several food stands at the Bloomsburg Fair. As the fair celebrates its 170th anniversary, more than 100 workers received clothing, hygiene kits, pillows and bagged lunches thanks to the combined efforts of local churches, service groups and the Interact Club.

Led by advisor and health and physical education teacher Ms. Andrea Heckman, the students dedicated their after-school hours to assisting with the organization and distribution of supplies. Their help ranged from greeting workers to making sure each person found what they needed. In past years, club members have even stepped in to translate for Spanish-speaking workers, helping make communication smooth and respectful.

“Sometimes people won’t ask for help, but the need is still there,” said one student volunteer. “I wanted to be part of making sure they felt supported.”

Interact is sponsored by local Rotary clubs and Rotary International, giving students opportunities to serve while developing leadership skills and global awareness. The Bloomsburg club has a busy schedule ahead, with service projects including a Rotary clean-up, several free community luncheons, and a peanut butter and jelly drive to benefit the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard.

Programs like the fair outreach are rare at county fairs, making Bloomsburg one of the few communities in the country to offer such support to carnival workers. For the students, the experience is both humbling and rewarding—a reminder that service often means stepping in quietly where help makes the most significant difference.