Sheriffs' Summer Camp for Kids Faces Lack of Charitable Donations During Recession

For New York State’s Sheriffs' Association Institute’s Summer Camp, times are tough. The camp, which hosts economically-disadvantaged children, runs solely on charitable funding and has found that camp donations have flat lined since the recession.

Earlier on Fox and Friends, Chris O’Brien, the executive director of the Sheriffs' Association, along with camper Nicole Kerr discussed how the camp is operating during economic hard times.

Since money became tight in 2008, O'Brien said that the camp made sure that they were operational because “in a recession, the kids are the ones that need it more than anyone else.”

O’Brien explained that the camp provides children with a chance to be around positive influences. Their interactions with deputy sheriffs allow them to see them as people as opposed to law enforcement officials.

In discussing the economy, O’Brien said, “I think the economy and recession have influenced giving because people have to have confidence in the economy to spend money and particularly to donate to charities, and we’re down 30 percent.”

Nicole Kerr spoke of the "amazing" camp, saying, “Once you end one fun thing, the next thing starts, and it just keeps going.”

She also admitted to Steve Doocy that when she first got to camp, she was upset to be away from home, but once the activities started, she felt right at home.

If you'd like to help, go to www.sheriffsinstitute.org to donate.