ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 17, 1996 TAG: 9611180013
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Thanks to Knights for help with camp
This summer, 36 children attended a day camp sponsored by New River Agency for Persons with Mental Retardation/Leisure Directions Inc. at Belview Elementary School in Montgomery County. The camp gives the children time away from their homes and time to have fun with friends. This also gives their parents needed respite time.
The agency's Board of Directors is very grateful to members of the Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded for its grant of $2,500 to be used for equipment and arts and crafts supplies.
The group, a Knights of Columbus organization, includes volunteers who generously raise money to help individuals with mental retardation. Since 1972, its major fund-raiser, the Tootsie Roll campaign held each spring, has raised more than $4 million. In the campaign, Knights stand in front of stores collecting contributions and giving Tootsie Rolls to those who contribute. The group then supports persons with mental retardation through home loans, transportation, group home furnishings, infant intervention programs, training programs, start-up programs and Special Olympics.
Leisure Directions provides year-round activities for persons with mental disabilities in the New River Valley, including the children's day camp. This year's camp was June 24 through July 25 and included swimming, arts and crafts, guest speakers and field trips. Not only do the children receive personal enjoyment, but they also gave back to the community by volunteering at SHARE and at Pulaski Daily Bread. Volunteering gives the children a chance to feel they are not just receiving, but also giving.
Being a small agency with limited resources, Leisure Directors is very appreciative of the Knights' donation. It enabled us to purchase quality craft supplies and equipment that we otherwise could not afford. The board is very grateful to the Knights for their hard work and dedication to persons with mental disabilities.
Sheila Roop
Executive director, New River Agency for Persons with Mental Retardation, Inc./Leisure Directions
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