Giving Kids Hope

Famed New York Jets linebacker David Harris was at Roosevelt Field Mall Thursday to share his support of the foundation "Give the Kids Hope," a non-profit with proceeds going to Camp Hope and the creation of a state-of-the-art media center.

The organization's goal is to help underprivileged children in Passaic County, NJ. Camp Hope is located in West Milford, NJ along the shores of Greenwood Lake. According to Stephen Tilton Jr., organization president, "This year alone we will be able to host an additional 700 kids. Last year we were able to help 2,300 kids. This year that number is going to be 3,000. That is a big deal."

Perry Ellis sponsored the event, which took place in Macy's. Each person who spent $50 or more of Perry Ellis merchandise received a complimentary football for Harris to sign. Fans of all ages were out as they were eager to meet the Jet great. Although Harris had to travel through three hours of traffic, straight from practice in New Jersey, he was all smiles as he signed autographs for excited fans and people eager to help out the cause.

According to Tilton, "These dollars will have an immediate impact. All of this money is going straight to the camp and the continuing development of it."

After Harris finished signing autographs and speaking to fans he said, "These kids need a place to go to escape whatever they are going through. They need to have fun." He added, "It feels good to be part of an organization that is giving many kids a chance to have something they might have never had."

Harris himself came from a working class background in Grand Rapids, MI and is now sharing a dream he had with the children of New Jersey. When Harris found out that the owner of his Chevrolet dealership was the president of such an organization, he couldn't resist not being a part of it.

"When Stephen told me about this, I wanted to jump in and be a part of it immediately," he said. "It was something that looked like a great opportunity. It allowed me to be able to give back to the community in which I play football."

The organization was formed by Tilton after he faced a near death experience back in 2008. "I almost died as result of a medical procedure. I went through two major surgeries and luckily I am hear today," he said. "I am so grateful for the things I have, I wanted to be able give back in life. That is what led me to Camp Hope and the starting of this foundation."

Harris, along with Tilton and his many co-workers, will continue to build this camp and help out the kids of northern New Jersey. They are all volunteers, as it is non-profit, and these people truly care about the well-being of Jersey's children. Of the belief that every child should be able to experience a joyous youth, people like Tilton and Harris are helping that dream become reality.