Memphis Animal Clinic sends kids to summer camp

By Maury Tower
While Memphis Animal Clinic works year-round with area rescue groups to encourage the adoption of dogs and cats, this summer it supported the adoption of children. As an outreach to the community, Memphis Animal Clinic participated in the Daniel Law Firm’s Worry Free Summer Camp by adopting 3 campers. The kids attended camp near Cooper-Young at the Orange Mound Community Center.
They went to camp each weekday for eight weeks from 8:30am-5pm absolutely free. The campers spent their summer days in a secure environment, making friends, stretching their creativity, and engaging in healthy activities. They also got a nutritious lunch and snack each day, provided by Memphis City Schools.
Last year Ben and Elizabeth Daniel wanted to show their support for the community by sending needy children to summer camp. The Daniel Law Firm partnered with Memphis Park Services, which offers wonderful summer day camps for kids ages 5 to 15 at its community centers throughout the city. The full fee is $162 per child for the entire 8 weeks and $81 for families on government assistance. While affordable, the cost of the summer camp program is beyond the reach of many families.
This summer the Daniel Law Firm received over 700 applications from families in the community who needed their support. Each applicant included a paragraph on how summer camp would help their family. The stories were heart-wrenching, thus, the selection process was a major challenge for Ben and Elizabeth. The Daniel Law Firm donated over $4,000 toward enrollment fees, and then launched a campaign to recruit adopters to underwrite the fees for other campers. Thanks to family, friends, and business associates a total of 69 kids attended camp. Parents rested easy knowing their children were enjoying a summer of fun learning experiences in a safe environment.
The Daniel Law Firm has already started recruiting adopters for next year. Camp is an ideal way for any child to spend the summer and a great way for companies like Memphis Animal Clinic to offer support to needy families and the community.
For information on adopting a camper for the 2011 Summer Camp Program, contact Elizabeth Daniel at Elizabeth@daniellawfirm.com or call (901) 525-5555.