ROCHELLE — National High Five Day falls on Thursday, April 16, and the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District has found a new way for local residents to celebrate.

With shelter-in-place orders in effect around the country due to the coronavirus, the park district is encouraging locals to “Give Five” to its ENGAGE program. Donors will receive one entry into a $100 recreation center gift card raffle drawing for every $5 given to the program.

“Providing financial resources to those in need is going to be more important this year that ever before,” park district executive director Jackee Ohlinger said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the operations of the park district. Like many other organizations, Monday marked the start of our fourth week of shelter-in-place. While our physical work environment has changed, our mission to provide recreational opportunities to the community has not.”

ENGAGE is a financial assistance program created to help offset the cost of programs for those who would otherwise be unable to participate. Donors can “Give Five” to the ENGAGE program and receive a virtual high five from the park district at www.rochelleparkdistrict.com/donate. 

“The importance of play in sports and recreation to our youth is vital to their development,” Ohlinger said. “There are benefits like improving physical and psychological health and well-being while enhancing the formation of character and moral principles. Participating in sports and recreation can also lead to a boost in self-esteem and overall confidence that will in turn create lasting friendships.”