Touch-A-Truck event benefits the Richie McFarland Children's Center

STRATHAM — On Sunday kids will get a chance to climb all over fire trucks, construction equipment, race cars, snow plows, military vehicles and even a stretch Hummer limousine as part of the Richie McFarland Children's Center fifth annual Touch-a-Truck event.

Children (and their parents) will be able to climb inside the big trucks they have seen on the road, at racetracks or on television from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Arboretum Drive parking lot at Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth. Sunday's event was originally scheduled a day earlier, but was moved back due to a rainy forecast.

"Kids will get to try on the fire hats, sit in the drivers' seats and toot on the horns," said Peggy Small-Porter, executive director of the Richie McFarland Children's Center, which is based in Stratham. The vehicles' operators will be on hand so kids and parents can ask questions.

"There is an opportunity to educate kids about these trucks. They can learn about recycling at one truck or how a bucket-loader works at another," said Small-Porter. "We're hoping it can be a fun and informative day."

Families can enjoy food from several vendors, children's activities and Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer. In addition to fire trucks, which are always like a magnet for young boys and girls, one of the biggest attractions is the school bus.

"It's always a big hit for the little kids who see their older brothers and sisters get on the bus," she said. And of course, the mini-dragsters and Irving Oil race car will draw attention. The money raised through donation admission fees will go to supporting the children's center.

The Richie McFarland Children's Center, located at 11 Sandy Point Road in Stratham, helps young children reach their full development potential and supports their families through that process, according to the organization's mission statement. According to Small-Porter, the center provides therapeutic and developmental programs for children with special needs.

Last year the organization met its financial goals for the event, but with this year's economy, the event means even more to the center. "With some of the cuts we've seen from United Way and county incentive funds, it will definitely help this year," said Small-Porter.

"So many nonprofits are financially stressed, and families need us more than ever because there aren't a lot of options for them," she said. "The economy is just challenging, and when people are able to donate time and money, it means that much more."

Between the sponsors of the event, major contributor, the Seacoast United Way, and volunteers from the University of New Hampshire and elsewhere in the community, many through Volunteer New Hampshire, the event has a lot of support.

And this year, the organizers will need it as they try something new — a quiet hour.

"Sometimes kids can get pretty excited between the trucks and tooting the horns," said Small-Porter. "We don't mind it, but sometimes we work with kids that can be sensitive to sound."

From 11 a.m. to noon, volunteers will be keeping the horns and squeals of excitement as quiet as possible to accommodate some of the children from the center who can get overwhelmed by loud noises. But after noon, the horns will be a-blaring.

Touch a Truck

What: Kids are invited to climb on board fire trucks, construction vehicles, race cars, military vehicles and more

Benefits: Richie McFarland Children's Center in Stratham

When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Arboretum Drive parking lot at Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth

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This article originally appeared in the Portsmouth Herald on October 3, 2009.