Tuesday, May 8, 2012

City to hold annual Send-a-Kid-to-Camp Radiothon

On Thursday, May 10, the department will hold its annual Send-a-Kid-to-Camp Radiothon in partnership with Miss Community Clovia, Radio One’s 99.3/105.7 KISS FM, I POWER 92.1 FM and Praise 104.7 FM, and Enrichmond, the department’s non-profit foundation.
     During the radiothon, the public is asked to call (804) 521-8400 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to make a donation of any amount which will be used to help send a Richmond child in need of financial assistance to summer camp. In return, anyone who donates $20 or more can have their request played on 99.3/105.7 KISS or I POWER 92.1.  
     In addition, anyone who donates $225 or more, the full cost of sending one child to camp, will receive two tickets to the Stone Soul Music and Food Festival on Saturday, June 2, on Brown’s Island.
     “What’s most important is that donors will know they have helped make a difference in the life of a child this summer,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, Ed. D, director of the city department. “These funds take children off the streets and provide them with structured activities during the summer months. The mentoring and experiences these children receive in our summer camps can help shape their future and have an impact on the future of the city as well,” he said.
     Donations of any amount are acceptable and can be made with a check, a credit card or online at www.enrichmond.org. In addition, all donations are tax deductible.
     The department’s summer camp program offers nine-weeks of activities for children ages 6 – 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning June 25. The camps are held at the department’s community centers, which are located throughout the city, and include activities featuring art and cultural enrichment, health and physical education, science and environmental education, and personal and social development. A free breakfast and lunch is provided for all campers through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals for Kids Program.