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Thanksgiving meal supports camp for kids with disabilities

A group in Pennsylvania is using the traditional Thanksgiving meal as a way to fundraise to give children with special needs the true summer camp experience.

MILLVILLE, Pa. — Volunteers like Lisa are celebrating Thanksgiving early this year. She dedicated her day to serving the traditional turkey meal at Camp Victory in Millville.

“When we met as a group, we were so impressed by Camp Victory and the things that it does in the community that we are here helping out,” said Lisa Hart, Camp Victory Volunteer.

Camp Victory is more than a summer camp; it's a summer oasis for children living with disabilities.

Camp Director Kate Stepnick says this Thanksgiving meal is one of the many fundraisers that help families afford to send their kids here.

“Camp Victory is a spot where campers can come no matter their financial need, and so every bit of money that we get goes back to Camp Victory to fulfill that promise,” mentioned Kate Stepnick, Camp Victory Director. 

Making this camp accessible to everyone and giving campers the ultimate summer camp experience.

“Campers get to go in the pool or on the zipline, and we get the opportunity to give that to them that they may not get at a traditional camp,” Stepnick added.

Even if it's early, this same Thanksgiving meal is a summer tradition for campers.

“We have turkey dinner almost once a week throughout the summer. It's one of our campers' favorite meals. And so we get to provide it to the community too, and they get to see it in action,” explained Stepnick.

And just like Thanksgiving, Camp Victory makes sure everyone gets a seat at the table.

Lisa hopes to make volunteering here a holiday tradition.

“It's a perfect time of year to approach things with an attitude of gratitude and the perfect time to just give back to others in the community,” Hart said.

Hoping to invite more people into the Camp Victory community.

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