Lois Witham loves to clown around. She's the current president of Carolina Clowns -- a non-profit organization of volunteer clowns that puts on performances for kids, families and special events in the local area.

Witham has been involved with Carolina Clowns since 1991. She had a clown costume handy from doing church events, a good sense of humor and just wanted to deliver the happiness to those in need.

"Being a clown brings joy and laughter to people in hospitals, schools and even nursing homes," she says. "People's faces light up when they see us."

Charlotte's annual Festival in the Park, a day of fun and entertainment for the family, will celebrate the organization's 50th year this September. "We're planning to contact all of our former clowns," Witham says. "We'll also do lots of face painting, skits and performances and just invite anyone who wants to come back and play with us!"

Witham is a full-time nurse at CMC Mercy Hospital, but her family equally loves her volunteer gig as a clown. Practicing for an event can take up to two hours, not including the time face-paint requires.

"It would be nice to have a few more members [in the organization], but to continue to be active in the community and provide happiness so that people can momentarily get smiles is something no one but a clown can do."