Creche continues its long tradition of helping children in the Jamestown area. This year 44 backpacks were filled with school supplies and distributed to nine area elementary and middle schools by the organization's Special Projects Committee. Generous members of Creche donated most of the backpacks and school supplies. Other organizations that contributed to this 10-year-old Creche program were Court Appointed Special Advocates and both Brooklyn Square and North Main Street Community Banks. Creche has funded countless special projects such as this one for children in the community during its 112-year history.
Another of Creche's yearly activities is the campership program. In early summer Creche's Community Service Committee members contacted 20 area schools to get suggestions from school personnel about students that would benefit by a week at summer camp though their families were unable to afford it. Creche then provided weeklong camperships to 21 happy children at various camps in our area, along with a small stipend for their use in the canteens. For most of these kids, attending summer camp for a week was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Creche's membership is comprised of approximately 100 active and nearly150 associate and non-resident members. These caring women are committed to raising funds locally and spending all monies on children in the greater Jamestown area. At the present time, between $25,000 and $30,000 is provided each year to help needy children and their families in the local community. To learn more about the activities of Creche and membership qualifications, visit their new website: www.crecheforkids.org.
Article Photos
Creche members Josette Cromey, back left, Elsa Hern and Sandy Everson, kneeling, assemble children’s backpacks for school. Absent from the photo are Gina Hess and Sara Vail.