OMAHA, Neb. β A local group of professional and amateur clowns took their acts to the streets of Omaha to help bring laughter and meals to the homeless.
Members of the Wild Clowndum helped distribute roughly 300 meals Wednesday from Holy Family Catholic Church's lunch program. James Parsons, a street minister with Blessed Family Street Ministry, told the Omaha World-Herald that the clowns bring happiness to those who "need that extra lift."
Clowndum member Judy Quest, who has performed for years as "Dear Heart the Clown," is a regular volunteer with the meals program. She said she invites her costumed friends to help out every year.
Quest said even clowns can sometimes have a hard time keeping their smiles. She has performed at the Nebraska Medical Center during birthday parties for children, including some with terminal illnesses.
"That's really hard, but I have to keep that sadness inside," she said. "My purpose for being there is to make them happy and bring them joy, not bring them down."
The group has around 40 members. The youngest member is in high school, and the oldest is 83 years old.
"I like to tell people I've been a clown all my life, but I've only been doing it professionally for 10 years," said Jim Mueller of Papillion. The 73-year-old said that when "a kid hugs you and says you're funny, you've arrived."
