Kettles for Campers Helps Local Kids
Many Youths Going to Camp Thanks to United Way, Salvation Army Cooperative
Editor: A complete list of participating collection locations and summer camps appears at the end of this release.
BRIDGEPORT, CT - (April 26, 2005) On May 6 and 7, United Way of Eastern Fairfield County and the Salvation Army of Greater Bridgeport will once again host their innovative collaboration, Kettles for Campers, at local supermarkets in the greater Bridgeport community. The goal is to raise $10,000 to enable local children to attend summer camp. United Way and the Salvation Army launched the Kettles for Campers initiative last year when traditional summer camp scholarship funding dropped by 75%. “We certainly couldn’t just stand by and tell 75% of the kids, ‘Sorry, there is no money,’” said United Way’s Senior Vice President of Community Impact, James A. Crispino, PhD. “Last year, Kettles for Campers raised more than $4,000 and that meant the world to the 50 additional kids who were then able to attend camp.” The Kettles for Campers drive marks the only appearance, other than the December holiday season, of the iconic Salvation Army red kettles. “As we visited the collection sites last year, it was humbling to see how many children and young people came up to the kettles with several dollars to stuff in so other kids could go to camp,” Crispino said. “It’s important for them to know a lot of kids went to camp last summer thanks to their goodwill.”
According to Major Michael C. Sharpe, commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Greater Bridgeport, the United Way and Salvation Army partnership engages a number of other local organizations. “We have seven local camps who work with us,” he stated. “They help staff the kettles to raise the money, and then provide a wholesome summer camp experience for children in need.” Participating summer camps receive 100% of the proceeds to provide scholarships for summer campers in need thanks to the generosity of Kettles for Campers sponsors Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, PC and WEBE 108 FM.
While the majority of the children requesting scholarships reside in Bridgeport, the need extends well beyond the city’s borders. According to Carol Liguori of Camp Tepee in Trumbull, there is a growing need for scholarships among the working poor and middle class. “If, in a single parent household, the breadwinner loses her job, you have a need for assistance,” she said. Additionally, summer camps frequently offer a positive alternative to children staying home alone during the summer while their parents work. “Working parents not only need a safe and stimulating summer camp environment for their children but also a reliable situation that allows them to go to work,” said Lou Perno, Executive Director of Sterling House in Stratford.
Those interested in contributing can also send a check or money order to United Way Kettles for Campers at 75 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, 06604. More information on Kettles for Campers is available on United Way’s website - www.thewaytocare.org <http://www.thewaytocare.org>, or by calling Dr. Crispino directly at 203-334-5106, ext. 319.
United Way of Eastern Fairfield County is in the business of building a stronger, more caring community across Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Our focus is on what matters. Research and experience tells us that the best way to help the most people is to focus on the root causes of the most serious problems. It takes the whole community - working together- to make that happen. So we bring people together from all across the community - people from government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens- to tackle the issues that matter most. United Way is committed to the bottom line results: the lives we change and the communities we shape. Find out more at www.thewaytocare.org <http://www.thewaytocare.org>.
Kettles for Campers Participating Locations:
Super Stop & Shop
200 East Main Street - Stratford
Shaw's Supermarket
250 Barnum Avenue Cutoff - Stratford
Shaw's Supermarket
1975 Black Rock Turnpike - Fairfield
Shaw's Supermarket
500 Sylvan Avenue - Bridgeport
Porricelli's Food Mart
902 White Plains Rd - Trumbull
Wal-Mart
150 Barnum Avenue Cutoff - Stratford
Participating Camps Include:
Salvation Army Camps
Lakewood - Trumbull YMCA
Sterling House Community Center
Hall Neighborhood House
Cardinal Shehan Center
Stratford YMCA
Music and Arts Center for Humanity
