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Summertime Kids Program Supports Summer Camp Experiences for Deserving Children

For some children, summertime can be a time to make new friends, discover new interests and create lasting memories. But for many children in need across our region, the opportunities for a fun-filled summer are limited. One grant program at The Community Foundation – the Summertime Kids program – aims to change that.

Created in 1995, the Summertime Kids grant program has helped give unique summer experiences to more than 1,000 children and youth across our region each year. By offering grants of up to $2,000, Summertime Kids supports creative and worthwhile activities for children and youth from low-income families, who live in rural areas, who have disabilities or who have been neglected or abused. Scores of volunteers and staff members make these camps and programs a success.

Last year, generous donors contributed more than $44,000 in support for travel, camping, swimming lessons, art classes and more for children in Western North Carolina, sending these kids back to school with fun-filled summer memories. This year, through the generosity of the Lloyd and Laura Penley Charitable Giving Fund, new or increased gifts to the Summertime Kids program will be matched dollar for dollar. This year, the Foundation’s goal is to raise $55,000. The truth is that without this support, many children would spend their summers sitting at home without the chance to learn, explore or experience new adventures. Your support of Summertime Kids means that children in need, and sometimes in crisis, have a fun and meaningful summer.

The stories of how these experiences helped participating children are endless. Last year, one child, Jessica, participated in a summer program that helped her deal with the death of her mother. Her father expressed his gratitude to the SART Guild Youth Theatre Summer Workshops held in Madison County, writing, "During the most tumultuous time of her young life – the illness and death of her mother – Jessica found somewhere to take her pain. She found her voice, filled with rage, and also filled with laughter, in the pages of a script. She found her creativity this summer as she penned her very own journey." Jessica’s father said that the program helped her not only cope with her grief, but also prepare to return to school with enthusiasm.

With your help, we’ll give more children like Jessica a place to learn, play and have fun during the summer. Please help us continue to make the Summertime Kids program possible by making a gift today. For more information, please contact Donor Services Associate Spencer Butler by e-mail or by calling (828) 254-4960.