“If Just For a Day” Program Gives Children a Special Beach Day

NORTH WILDWOOD- Twins, Zaniyah and Nahjear, 5, run up to the edge of the ocean in North Wildwood. Nahjear runs right in to the surf, frolicking and splashing in the waves, while Zaniyah, a bit more hesitant, slowly wades in. The twins have very different reactions to the ocean but they do have something in common. This is the first time that they have seen the ocean.
Zaniyah and Nahjear took part in a program called “If Just for a Day,” on Aug. 27, held every year by the Children’s Fresh Air Home on 11th and Surf avenues.
This year, 55 foster care children, ranging from 4 months to 18 years old, were treated to a day at the beach and a barbeque lunch, along with several gifts for them to take home with them, including teddy bears, salt water taffy, and t-shirts.
“It’s a vacation for children who wouldn’t get one otherwise,” says Shannon Burke, Board Member of Children’s Fresh Air Home and former counselor. “This is the first time that most of them have been to the beach.”
“We’re the only home that does this in South Jersey,” says John Stefankiewicz, president of the board for Children’s Fresh Air Home. “It’s about putting smiles on kids’ faces.”
The Children’s Fresh Air Home partners with several different organizations that have groups of children that they can help. The children in the program are chosen through an application process and social worker recommendations.
The “If Just for a Day” Program is run on a donor basis from civic organizations, local businesses, and churches. The program is at no cost to the families involved.
The Children’s Fresh Air Home, built in 1923, is currently trying to raise funds to rebuild their home on 11 and Surf in North Wildwood. They have raised $450,000 so far and are hoping to reach $1.2 million for the rebuilding project. They also accept food and items donations.
For information on the Children’s Fresh Air Home and how to get involved, go to: http://www.freshairhome.org/fah/