GROC News

Friends,

Another successful summer camp ended last Friday and I offer a big thank you to all our sponsors as this year was special. We had more Shelter, Homeless, and Foster children than in years past; the mission of this camp is to care for those in need and that made this year’s camp special. On Friday, we also held the drawing for our 50/50 Summer Camp Golf Outing; you can watch the drawing at https://geraldryanoutreach.org/2022/07/29/50-50-summer-camp-raffle-winner-drawing/ and by clicking on the lower left hand “Watch on YouTube” box. To save you a click, Peggy Mahoney won the 50/50.

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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.

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Friends,

Suffolk County First Precinct Captain Kevin Foley heard the call for help with baby formula; he took the time to purchase and drop off two cases of Similac to the Outreach Center. Kevin knows many of the children and their parents from the soccer clinic and wanted to do his part. We still do need all types of formula as we are receiving requests every day for different formulas from clients, agencies, even health clinics, and we just do not have enough of any at this point. In need at this time: Enfamil Neuro Pro, Enfamil Gentlease, Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive, and Enfamil (or CVS brand) Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula with Iron. Today a client ( who has limited funds and without transportation) was crying and desperate since her baby can only digest the Hypoallergenic with Iron formula because the baby is Colic. We found 4 cans of CVS’s brand and the client was absolutely elated and again cried. The pressure on these mothers is unrelenting.

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Friends,

The Soccer Clinic is in full swing and we have more children this year than ever. If you want to witness these children in action… on a Monday night, come down to Wyandanch Park and watch the kids play as their parents look on. Our dedicated coaches and police officers are great and this event definitely helps solidify community relationships. On Monday, June 13th we are having the Soccer Clinic BBQ at the outreach and need a few more grills and cooks to help make 200 hamburgers and 200 hot dogs! Let me know if you can help.

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I cannot believe that it has already been two years since we asked our volunteers not to come to the Outreach until it was safe. We started to transform our building in order to distribute food to our clients via a table outside the front door. Although, we faced many difficulties…we never closed our doors to our clients and the many Covid positive families in need.

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