Every year Camp Alvernia gives out scholarships to well over 100 campers whose families have found themselves in financial hardship.  The value of last year’s scholarships totaled $497,652.  So many of you have contributed to the Brother Robert Memorial Scholarship Fund, and we thank you for your spirit of service and generosity.

Who are these scholarship recipients?  Many of them are single parents whose earnings would barely cover the cost of childcare.  Some have undergone severe physical injury and have lost jobs and homes.  They’re your neighbors, people just like you and me, trying to make a good life for their families.

For these parents, a camp scholarship at Alvernia is more than just entertainment or a way to keep their kids from sitting in front of the computer all summer.  It means an opportunity to get their lives back in order, to get bills paid, to pick up a second or third job to help make ends meet or even put a few dollars away for the future.  They know their children are in a safe place where they can learn and grow, and for a parent, that’s a tremendous blessing. 

In this season of giving, would you consider giving a gift to the families in need right here in our community?  It’s a great opportunity to involve your kids and teach them to care for others.  It may also be a wonderful way to remember someone special who has passed away in 2009.  Camp Alvernia is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

You can mail your check donation to Camp Alvernia, PO Box 301, Centerport, NY 11721. If you’d like to give by credit card, please call or email us and we will add your donation to your 2010 balance.

Every little bit helps, and we thank you for your support.  May God richly bless you and your family this Christmas and we wish you the best for 2010!