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For most New Jersey children, the end of the school year is a time of celebration. It signifies the annual family vacation, the coming of barbecues, baseball games, movies, day trips to the beach, summer camp, and other fun-filled activities.
For the many children living in foster care, such experiences are only possible through the generous donations of individuals and corporations. While most people think of children during the holidays, the summer is a time of real need. Without the social atmosphere of school and a family of their own to come home to, these kids often feel a void in their young lives.
Children's Aid and Family Services is asking for your help to fill that void and give these children the opportunity to experience a real childhood. The agency has five group homes in Bergen County and supports children living with foster families throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. Learning to fish, swim, and roller skate are all simple, yet important, parts of being a happy and healthy youngster.
"Through your support, our staff can continue to plan activities, camps and field trips to ensure that these children will have a summer they won't forget," says Liz Mason, executive vice president, Children's Aid and Family Services. "It means the world to a child in foster care to be able to have these experiences, and knowing that a person who they've never met thinks enough of them to donate such a wonderful gift shows them they are valued by a community that cares. The lesson in generosity and compassion is one they carry with them their entire lives."
On the kids' wish list for this summer are music camps for piano and drums; a variety of sports camps such as football, basketball, soccer and hockey; day trips to water parks like Dorney Park and Great Adventure; and visits to the zoo and Liberty Science Center.
| Donation amount | What your donation will provide |
| $50 | Safety gear for a child learning to swim. |
| $100 | Admission for 10 children living in one group home to see a matinee showing of "WALL-E" at the local movie theatre. |
| $170 | Admission for 56 children from our 5 group homes to go to the Liberty Science Center for the day. |
| $600 | Great Adventure park passes for 10 children living in one group home. |
| $1,500 | A "campership" for a child in our group homes. |
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