Ocean Pines Get Involved and Worcester County GOLD have begun collecting summer camp materials for local underprivileged children attending out-of-school programs on scholarships.
Worcester County GOLD
Courtesy photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
Ocean Pines Get Involved and Worcester County GOLD are partnering to collect summer camp materials for local underprivileged children attending the out-of-school programs on scholarships.
Donation Organizer Esther Diller said the school-age children will attend camps such as YMCA Pocomoke, Berlin Activities Depot, Worcester County Recreation and Parks, Worcester County Pop Warner, and the 4 Steps Therapeutic Riding Program. This year, Worcester County GOLD, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance to low-income Worcester County residents, will grant summer camp scholarships to about 100 kids.
Worcester County GOLD’s 2023 impact report noted that in one year alone, the group provided $332,000 in total assistance, served 1,015 households, and gave $31,000 in scholarships for childhood summer activities.
Donation organizers are requesting towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, swimwear, cinch bags, socks, hats, T-shirts, water bottles, plastic or reusable, and bug spray for this year’s drive. OPA Director of Public Relations and Marketing Josh Davis said only new and unused items will be accepted. Contributions can be dropped in the donation box in the Ocean Pines Administration Building lobby, 239 Ocean Parkway.
Diller said that this is the second year Ocean Pines Get Involved is collaborating with Worcester County GOLD to give camp adventures for underprivileged Worcester County children.
“It provides local kids with a summer experience that they would otherwise not be able to do, and it also helps working parents get their children involved in a safe activity,” Diller said.
Diller emphasized that the Ocean Pines Get Involved group has worked on several donation drives for the last few years with the nonprofit. In addition to the summer camp program, the organization is requesting new and unused clothing for children and adults. The donations can be made directly to Worcester County GOLD at 201 River St. in Snow Hill.