HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Children’s Hospital will use a $283,000 grant from the Rite Aid Foundation to continue and grow 11 camps for children with special medical needs. It’s part of $2.3 million that the foundation is awarding to 20 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the nation through its KidCents Grant Program.
The annual summer camps coordinated by the Children’s Hospital give kids the chance to take part in a range of activities, building self-esteem, learn new skills and meet other children who face similar challenges. The camps also provide respite time for caregivers. In some cases, this is the only week of the year when they are not on call 24/7.
“We want to thank the Rite Aid Foundation for this incredible gift to fund medical camps for Penn State Children’s Hospital patients. With this donation, we will be able to send more than 250 kids to 11 camps next summer. These specialized camps provide kids a week without limits,” said Deborah Berini, president of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “Whether kids have a ventilator, battle a heart condition, or deal with a behavioral challenge, these campers have the chance to swim, rock climb and meet new friends who are just like them in an environment that is medically safe. Rite Aid’s increased support of camps is such a meaningful way to celebrate the company’s 25-year partnership with Penn State Children’s Hospital. Thank you for giving kids the gift of growing up!”
Rite Aid has been supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 25 years. Every year, Rite Aid associates from across the country come together to raise money through the annual Miracle Balloon Campaign. Grants support existing programs focused on children’s health and well-being.
View photos of the campers in action at flickr.com.