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Sick Children Given Holiday At Camp

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 11, 2007

BRANDON - About 75 youngsters suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses recently left their cares behind for a few days, traveling to Santa's Workshop Weekend.

Faces of Courage, a local nonprofit agency that reaches out to families battling illnesses across the state, sponsors the weekend campout at Rotary's Camp Florida. The Tampa Carrollwood Rotary Club pays to rent the camp and purchases and prepares meals for campers and volunteers. Campers attend at no charge.

"They can come here and be sick, but never deal with their illness while they're here," said camp organizer Peggie Sherry, executive director of Faces of Courage and a cancer survivor.

Hundreds of volunteers acted as buddies for the children as they traveled from station to station, tie-dying T-shirts, making crafts, fishing or shopping at Santa's workshop.

Because cancer victims are unable to visit shopping centers, it is difficult for them to find gifts for their family, Sherry said.

Santa's Workshop offers an alternative.

Gifts are donated throughout the year by groups and individuals.
Yvette C. Hammett

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