Hundreds of Toys, Athletic Shoes Donated to Lower Salford Camp

By Katalinas Communications

Camp Rainbow Inc. received a windfall of brand-new toys, arts and crafts supplies and cleats for baseball and football after two organizations donated their overflow of goods.

Jim Cartin, a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia facilities supervisor, dropped off six large boxes containing unopened toys for about 200 kids of all ages.

“CHOP receives an over-abundance of toys,” Cartin said. “We share our wealth with other organizations in need.”

Cartin, who has led a volunteer effort during his 15 years at CHOP, seeks out “small organizations that fall under the radar” and donates various items, including unused toys. He also regularly contributes sheets, towels and medical supplies to the Perkiomen SPCA.

“I’ve been doing this all my life. It’s kind of like in my blood,” said Cartin, 65. “We just do it. It’s not something where we look for praise or appreciation. It’s just a good feeling at the end of the day. Someday I might have a need.”

In addition to the abundance of toys, a local school district recently contributed baseball and football cleats.

Camp Rainbow Inc. Executive Director Tom Johnson said he remains grateful for the outpouring of community support.

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“We appreciate all of the generous donations from CHOP, the school district and everyone who has given their time getting our camp ready for the season or provided financial or in-kind contributions,” Johnson said. “These gifts will help to further enrich the children’s camping experience.”

LeeAnn Marchesi, Camp Rainbow Inc.’s assistant camp director, said she plans to send toys and/or cleats home with kids at the end of their camp week. Board games and some of the arts and crafts supplies will be put to use at camp.

Any extra items will be donated to Toys for Tots, she said.

“The things that we got are going to be really great gifts,” Marchesi said.

Camp Rainbow Inc. was founded in 1951 by the Harold G. Knight Foundations. Camp Rainbow, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to offering deserving children of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania a week-long, overnight summer camping experience at a low cost to the family. The camp, which is located on beautiful acres on the Perkiomen Creek in Lower Salford Township, serves children between age 7 and 16. Camp Rainbow Inc. prides itself on teaching children valuing behavior, how to give and receive honest feedback and take responsibility for one’s actions. To learn more about Camp Rainbow Inc., or to make a contribution, visitwww.camprainbowinc.com.