AVALON – Helen L. Diller was not blind but she was beloved and when she died her family wanted to raise a memorial that befitted her. They decided on one not of stone or monuments but of purpose. The Stone Harbor Lions Club had long been hoping for someone to open a camp for blind and visually-impaired children. The year was 1972 and the Diller family had found their memorial. They purchased the Sherwood Inn, a former boarding house. The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for the Blind has operated ever since.
Recently the Diller Home underwent a complete renovation. Fifty-five donors supplied money, supplies, services, furniture and play equipment. Matt Pappas of Brandywine Developers oversaw the renovation. The three-story building is less than two blocks from the beach.
The camp runs for eight weeks, June 14 to Aug. 9, with each set of campers staying for one week. Director Emily Mulhern explained that the campers range in age from 7 to 15. “They and their families see that they can have just as much fun as any other camp,” said Mulhern, a special education teacher.
One week is designated as Alumni Week when former campers from 16 to 20 return to renew friendships. There is a five to one counselor to child ratio. Some of the children have additional disabilities such as cerebral palsy or autism. During their stay, the campers are taken on excursions that include the zoo, the beach, Morey’s piers in Wildwood, the Wednesday night dance in Sea Isle City and trips to the ice cream parlor.
Chuck Covington, vice-president of the board of trustees, said everything was provided for the children free of charge. Each week 20 new campers arrive, 10 boys and 10 girls from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Maryland. The campers are picked up at three pick up spots in New Jersey, Delaware and Philadelphia. This year there were 136 applicants.
Anne Coskey, director of marketing, explained that the home supports itself through grants and fund raising events. The Fourth annual Barefoot Ball will be held Sept. 6 at the Windrift in Avalon. The Turkey Trot fundraiser is held close to Thanksgiving.
The first children arrive June 14 and everything is ready and waiting for them.
For information visit the website: www.dillerblindhome.org or call 329-6133.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.
