Children at The Arc of Shelby County got some hands-on learning from some four-wheeled visitors Wednesday, May 5 as the organization held its annual “Away We Go” day.

The Arc, which helps advocate for children with special needs and their families, invited members of the Pelham Police Department, Pelham Fire Department and Shelby County Schools system to bring their vehicles to show off to the kids.

The children got an up-close look at fire trucks, police cars and school buses, while also enjoying free ice cream from an ice cream truck.

Tammy Lusk, the kindermusic director and special instructor, got involved with the Arc more than five years ago when she entered her daughter, Kailee, in the early intervention program, and she said that getting families involved with things like the “Away We Go” day is vitally important.

“One of our main focuses is to get the families with special-needs children with other families who share a common bond,” Lusk said. “We’re trying to build those community ties and make them more comfortable in a familiar setting.”

Lusk said having the kids and families meet with members of the public, police department, fire department, school system and other organizations just helps further the cause of educating people on the growing population of families with special-needs children.

“That population is growing and growing and growing,” Lusk said.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Arc or would like more information about programs offered at the Arc should call 664-9313.