Camp helps make life better for kids

Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 | 6:17 a.m.

The mother of two children says they desperately need to interact with other children. They are not involved in sports nor do not socialize with others in the apartment complex where they live.

"Camp would do wonders for their self-esteem and their depression," the mother says. "They always complain to me that they want to do something, but I sincerely cannot afford to do anything with them except take them to the park."

The mother works part time and brings home only $700 per month. She receives some assistance from her parents and is looking for another job. She is seeking the Sun Camp Fund's help to provide her children with a camping opportunity.

Another girl's mother says her daughter is like any typical 10-year-old. But she's also special because she was born with a congenital birth defect and did not walk until she was 3 years old.

The girl spent much of the first years of her life in hospitals. She never cried or complained, her mother says. She would always greet everyone with a big smile no matter how uncomfortable she was. Throughout the years she has maintained that attitude and tenacity, her mother says.

"She has never felt sorry for herself or different from others, and goes out of her way to be kind to everyone, even those who aren't so kind to her. She has a great sense of humor and is always laughing," her mother says.

The girl has asked to go to camp, and her mother is seeking the Sun Camp Fund's help.

By joining contributors to the Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund you are making a difference in a child's life.

Some recent contributors:

Sandler Management; The Weiner Trust; Fleet Reserve Association, Vegas Branch 279; Roberta Freed and Joan Messina; Therese Feeley Derusso; Frank J. and Victoria Fertitta; and cash from raffle for airline tickets contributed by Southwest Airlines.

James Busser and Cynthia Carruthers; David and Mary Vail; Don and Elaine Stevens; Olga E. Vanderpool; Bonnie A. Cain; Conrad Villella/Basic Future Properties; Faye and Barry Bowles; Patricia Hurst; Margaret and Robert Frink; and Genevieve L. Quick.