White Plains Salvation Army Appeals For Help After Funding Cuts

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Salvation Army in White Plains is asking for the community's help in raising funds to continue running its day camp and after-school programs.

The organization's appeal comes in the wake of a $100,000 funding cut from the federal government.

Captain Antonio Rosamilia, of the group's White Plains branch, spoke with 1010 WINS Friday and said he simply doesn't want to see the day camp shut down.

"Not because of Salvation Army name, but because the needs that these children will have in the summer," he said.

Every year, the White Plains Salvation Army runs the 6-week day camp program for about 40 children from low-income families in the community. The groups said it costs about $25 per child, per day to run the camp. Following the cuts, however, organizers are left without the $30,000 necessary to run it.

"As soon as school is over at the end of June, and we start with a big camp and we don't want to shut it down," Rosamilia said.

Rosamilia said whatever help people could provide -- be it money or time -- would be a tremendous help.

"We need volunteers throughout the year. For after-school, we need definitely volunteers right now for the day camp," he said.

The after-school program -- which requires about $100,000 to run -- is currently being conducted with 20 kids and 1 paid staff member, Rosamilia said. He added that volunteers have played a major role in keeping the program alive.

He said the the Salvation Army would be grateful to anyone "gracious enough to give anything," whether it is as little as $50-100 or up to the $30,000 needed to run the day camp.

To Find Out How You Can Help, Contact The White Plains Salvation Army at (914)-949-2908