COAL GROVE — The 40th anniversary of Family Fun Days brought out individuals focused on helping others whether it was the cause of autism to beautifying the village to aiding West Virginia flood victims.

This was the first time for Karen and Bob Reed to have a booth at the event this weekend at Paul Porter Park promoting their autism support group — Autism Project of Southern Ohio.

APSO started in Scioto County in 1998 with a branch opening in Lawrence County last year.

The organization meets the first Monday of each month starting at 6 p.m. at the Centenary Independent Church in Deering.

“We wanted to get the word out there about families like us,” Karen Reed said.

The Reeds have two autistic children — a daughter, Lexie, 14, and a son, Aaron, 12.

“You feel isolated,” she said as she got ready to sell T-shirts and book bags that said “Be You. Be Different.”

Brad Jenkins, pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church, has been a fixture at fun days for the past 10 years. Usually he has food or items to sell to fund youth projects at the church. But this year was different.

He and members of the church spent the weekend collecting drinking water and cleaning supplies for the West Virginia flood victims.

“Since there was such a dire need and they are right next door,” Jenkins said.

Fun days kicked off Friday afternoon with a welcoming speech by Coal Grove Mayor Larry McDaniel followed by Abbey Kimball singing the national anthem as VFW Post 8850 raised the flag.

Then Kimball and her band 4-Pole started the music from the park’s amphitheater. Joining her were Anthony Pino on bass, Kyle Ingle on electric guitar and Ben Myers on drums.

Fun days was the brainchild of Juanita Markel and Jae Roush and remains sponsored by the Coal Grove Betterment Club. Manning the club’s booth was Vickie McDaniel, president.

The money raised pays for the Christmas lights the club puts up at the park during the holiday and the flowers planted throughout the village in spring and summer. Cost for both projects are approximately $6,000.

The event ends tonight with fireworks at 10 p.m. at the far field.