Camp Hawkins 1142

This year we have decided to spotlight charities each day on our blog to help our employees better understand the wonderful charities we can donate to during the campaign. The first charity we are choosing to spotlight is Camp Hawkins. Camp Hawkins Charity Code is 1142.

I recently had an opportunity to see a presentation by the amazing people behind the scenes at Camp Hawkins. I don't think I can do this organization justice by trying to recreate their heartfelt message so here are some of their own words from their website (camphawkins.org):

Camp Hawkins is a summer camp for children with heart disease and their siblings. Volunteers, including an on-site medical staff, provide a fun, safe experience tailored to each child's needs and abilities. 

At Camp Hawkins campers take part in a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, arts, crafts, music and more. They get to interact and engage in these activities with other children who face similar challenges.

Heart is an all-too-common cliche: We heart someone or something. Something is heart-rending, heart-felt, or gets to the heart of the matter. A lost game was a heartbreaker. For children with congenital and acquired heart defects, the heart is more than a slogan or an emoticon. It’s a day-in, day-out burden, a constant reminder of life’s fragility, a constant barrier to being like other kids. 

That’s why we created Camp Hawkins, named for one of our foremost pediatric heart surgeons and dedicated to providing one day of summer camp—one day of childhood—to children whose heart helps them endure a most un-childlike childhood. For one or two days, we provide our campers with the experience of a lifetime. And, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to do it year after year! The adults hovering about, including doctors and nurses, wear T-shirts instead of lab coats. They sport baseballs and water balloons instead of needles. Night brings a sky full of stars and possibilities, giggles and confidence instead of lonely hospital rooms and worries about tomorrow. 

We offer the companionship and reassurance of camping with other children who share broken hearts in its literal meaning. One child’s heart disease affects entire families—so we include siblings. From tie-dye to goodbye, a plethora of activities invite participation, assistance, and funding. The sun may set, but the fun sure doesn't and neither do our costs! Only the smiles are free! Whether you are a volunteer or a donor, we need you! Our campers are hungry, busy, and on the move—and so are our volunteers. Join us by planning with us, camping with us, or donating with us! You will?? Well, bless your heart!

I hope you will take the time to read about this amazing organization and perhaps some representatives will be at our event on October 24, 2013 to answer any questions you might have.

Thank you so much and don't forget to donate!