When the Children's Enrichment Committee first began, over a hundred years ago, its members knitted mittens for orphans.
While we've never put down our knitting needles, the requests we receive through Orange County Department of Social Services and HONOR have gotten more complex over time.
Like many small non-profits, the CEC would love to have the assets of the Ford Foundation. But like many small non-profits, we're more of a What Can We Afford Foundation.
Some of our donation decisions are made by committee. The Emily Akers Scholarship Fund committee pours over dozens of applications before making its difficult decision as to which students will receive our assistance.
Some decisions are made at the store. Many CEC members donate their time to do holiday gift shopping. A little girl in foster care might request a doll for Christmas, but it's up to our member to decide which doll will make that girl the happiest.
Some of the decisions are made rapidly. HONOR might tell us of a child who needs something as basic as socks. One of our members will go out right away and buy the socks, so the child doesn't have to wait and wait and wait.
And some decisions are debated at our meetings. A request will be brought up and after discussion, we decide by vote if it's the sort of thing the CEC should, and can afford to, help with. Our hearts might say yes, but our heads might say, let's think about it just a little longer. We keep in mind our four year commitments to the Emily Akers Scholarship winners and our need to have money on hand for holiday presents. But since our goal is to say yes to children in need, we usually vote to honor the request.
Every November, the CEC sends out a letter to ask for donations. But there's no law against giving a donation in the summertime. Remember, your donation is tax deductible and will be used to help the children of Orange County. Their needs are twelve months a year, and the CEC is always there to assist them.
Please send your donations to:
Children's Enrichment Committee
PO Box 297
Middletown, NY 10940
