The Children's Enrichment Committee of Orange County was founded in New York over one hundred years ago. It has survived two world wars, the great depression, and the Spanish flu. But it has never seen the likes of 2020.
The CEC has been there to make the lives of children with family and financial uncertainties better and brighter. We give holiday presents, sports equipment, music lessons, computers and textbooks to children and teenagers in need. We have paid for summer camp and school trips in the past and look forward to doing so again in a healthy future.
Recently we learned of a child whose family home had burned down. We paid for new softball equipment so she could return to the game she loves.
We were also told of children who needed a bunkbed. We were glad to purchase one. And the children who now have a safe and comfortable place to sleep showed us how happy they were to receive it.
In 2020 we took special pride in our Emily Akers Scholarship Program. Four high school graduates were awarded scholarships of $1000.00 each to help with their college costs. All of the winners showed strong scholastic aptitude and community involvement, as well as an impressive focus on their academic and professional goals. In a time of social distancing and canceled graduations, the CEC made the lives of four young adults with college plans and financial need more secure.
The CEC has always believed that when you help a child you help the world. In this time of world crisis, we remain committed to our goal of supporting the children of Orange County. Their future is ours. May their sun shine bright.
