Fullerton, Ca – Bringing awareness to the critical role of after school programs, the Fullerton After School Programs will be participating in the annual, “Lights On! Afterschool,” nationwide celebration. Hosted at the Fullerton Community Center on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, this location will be one of over 7,500 sites across the nation sending the message that positive after school activity is vital to children’s success; and that they must keep the lights on and doors open after school.

Fullerton Mayor and local school teacher, Sharon Quirk-Silva, will be one of the keynote speakers. She remarked,  “As a school teacher and a mother, I have seen the transforming power of After-School programs and the way it brings children and families together. I thank the Lights On Afterschool Programs throughout America for keeping the light shining for our kids.”

In America, 15.1 million children are left alone and unsupervised after school. In the face of depleting budgets and funding nationwide, cities like Fullerton are reaching out to the public to gain awareness and support. Joining in this celebration are partners from the Fullerton School District, Fullerton Boys & Girls Club and the North Orange County YMCA.

Admission is free and children, parents, officials and community members are encouraged to attend. The Fullerton Community Center is located at 340 West Commonwealth Ave, across the street from City Hall.

For more information, please contact Aaron Orozco at (714) 738-5360.

More information on Lights on Afterschool can be found at www.afterschoolalliance.org