I&M supported Super Shot’s efforts to provide vaccinations needed before students can enter school this fall by sponsoring a “Touch a Truck” event June 9 at the organization’s clinic in Fort Wayne.
“I&M is pleased to support Super Shot and the amazing work it does to help protect the health and safety of children, schools and our community,” said Kelly Rentschler, Community Affairs manager. “We’re glad parents and caregivers took advantage of this opportunity to provide the important immunizations needed for the 2022-23 school year.”
Getting the shots in the early summer is prudent because many parents wait until soon before school begins, when Super Shot has a busier calendar with fewer openings.
Super Shot scheduled four immunization events this summer, kicking off with “Touch a Truck.” With I&M’s financial assistance, the non-profit agency furnished hot dogs and backpacks filled with school supplies. After the initial supply of 300 hot dogs was consumed, 100 more were delivered.
“Touch a Truck” is interactive and allows children and families to see and explore up close and personal the heavy equipment I&M uses in the field. Kids see the safety gear and see how real equipment is used by our line workers.
I&M brought a bucket truck and digger to the event. Two linemen based at North East Service Center brought the equipment and talked with the kids about I&M and their line work. The children received I&M water bottles and plastic hart hats. Carlson and Dillion helped some of the children stand in the bucket for photos and sit in the digger truck.
Super Shot was pleased that 70 children received school vaccinations. With parents, caregivers, siblings and other visitors, several hundred people attended.
“With the school year coming to a close, it’s important for parents and caregivers to consider the vaccinations that school-age children need to begin school this fall,” said Connie Heflin, executive director of Super Shot. “Vaccination coverage has declined in some areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the preventative shots are important to the health of your children and their classrooms.”