SMITHFIELD – Excitement filled Historic Downtown Smithfield on Saturday, November 2, as the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield hosted its 9th annual Touch-A-Truck event. The family-friendly event raised over $13,000, with $10,000 designated for Johnston County non-profits through the league’s Community Impact Grants.
Attendees had the chance to explore more than 50 vehicles, from towering fire trucks to heavy machinery. The event also featured food trucks, a Playland area with sand piles and truck-themed inflatables, train rides, face painting, and appearances by crowd favorites such as Carolina Hurricanes mascot, Stormy, and Marshall from Paw Patrol.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous sponsors, vehicle operators, and organizations that made this event possible,” said Amanda Johnson, event co-chair. “Their support helped us bring together a diverse collection of vehicles and professionals, giving children and families the opportunity to explore these machines up close and learn from the experts who use them daily.”
In addition to the vehicle showcase, this year’s event offered vital health and development screenings for children. A total of 47 screenings were conducted in areas including vision, hearing, speech, occupational therapy, and mental health. Local partners like ABIL-OT, Partnership for Children of Johnston County, and Johnston County Head Start provided services, while the Colgate Smiles bus traveled from Concord, NC, to provide free dental screenings.
“This addition to Touch-A-Truck is a prime example of the Junior Women’s League’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our community,” said Johnson. “We’re already looking ahead to our tenth anniversary in 2025, and we’re excited to continue making a lasting impact in Johnston County.”
