Yes, that is our Naycha in the half-page photo two weeks ago in Sunday’s Newsday! Summer Camp is in full swing and this year, over 40% of the campers are either homeless, shelter, or foster children. However, they are all extremely happy to be here and love the spirit of the camp as it’s a safe, clean, fun, loving environment and a cool place to be. After two years, weekly trips to the pool are back! As in previous years, we provide bathing suits when needed and each camper gets a new beach towel so that all the children can participate. There is a soft-serve ice cream truck at the pool which we have patronized in the past and he gave us a good deal so that each child could have an ice cream cone. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but to a homeless child, it is pure joy to sit on the grass after being in the pool and eat a whole ice cream cone, uninterrupted, and in a safe environment. Joe and Beth Gibbons sponsored the first week’s cones and Andrew and Lauren DeBardelaben sponsored last week. four more weeks to go.
This year’s Summer Camp would not be in existence were it not for our supporters: Rothco, Harbor Seafood, LandTek, Stand Up MRI, Berenstein Textiles, Fiorini Landscape, and many other companies, families, and individuals. Literally, you are feeding the poor and hungry children of Wyandanch while providing them with a little taste of summer fun, and that is special.
I went to the Wyandanch HS Graduation to support a few students; both Steve Bellone and Rich Schaffer were present and spoke at the event. Regardless of your political preference, the fact that they both came and were on stage for the entire event demonstrates credible support of the community and to our Wyandanch students. These are two good men.
Special thanks to Dr. Mario Craig of Lindy Eye Care; Dr. Craig is my family’s optometrist and four years ago, I brought a young female client with a rare autoimmune disease which severely impacted her vision to him. Dr. Craig generously took on this challenge and is spearheading a team of specialists to develop a solution. We have been fully engaged in this case as her parents speak an indigenous language and can only communicate with her. Dr. Craig is available day and night for us and his efforts and support is way above and beyond the norm and both her family and the Outreach are most grateful.
The baby formula drive is still active as there is still a need in the community. Thank you to those that have donated.
The outreach center is starting to collect school supplies to build the backpacks for the Back to School Backpack Program which is the next initiative following camp.
Get past today’s noise and problems in society and you will find those companies, families, and individual people who still believe in the concept of good, and who continue to do good for others less fortunate.
