Donations Needed for Two Russian Orphans through YMCA's Camp Inspiration Program

Camp Inspiration at the Somerset Hills YMCA, in partnership with the Bernardsville News, is sponsoring two Russian orphan brothers, Kirill, aged 7, and Alexander, aged 5. The boys arrived in N.J. this week and are staying with a local family for the summer. Clothing donations are needed for the two brothers, and we have high hopes that we can find a loving family willing to adopt these sweet boys.

The two brothers live in an orphanage in Russia’s Far East, about a ten hour flight east of Moscow. They will spend nearly four weeks with Janet and Brian of Bernardsville, giving the boys a golden opportunity to experience life in a functional family, broadening their horizons and giving them a platform to learn about another culture, particularly through play with other children close to their age.

“Kirill and Alexander will arrive with nothing more than a backpack holding their toothbrush, comb, and possibly a spare change of clothes,” said Janet. “We will be responsible for all food, clothing and medical expenses they incur while here. During their stay, we will also be working closely with the adoption agency to find them a forever family.” So, Janet and Brian who are members of the Somerset Hills YMCA, reached out to the Y and asked for their support in providing a summer camp experience for the two boys. Bob Lomauro, President and CEO of the Y said, “Supporting Janet and Brian’s compassion for these young boys is not only the right thing to do but is a privilege. This is a wonderful story of a local family giving two boys, who obviously have been through so much, an opportunity to be hopeful for a better life.”

On July 11, the two boys will begin Adventure Camp at the Y which offers each camper the opportunity to participate in Sports & Games, Science & Nature, and Arts & Crafts led by a specialist in these areas.

Camp Inspiration can help make sure that Kirill and Alexander enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a YMCA summer camp. Camp Inspiration is a scholarship program, sponsored by the Bernardsville News and the Somerset Hills YMCA, designed to give children in need the opportunity to attend a YMCA day or resident summer camp. With a focus on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, camp counselors encourage children to try new experiences, make friends, learn new skills and, most of all, to have fun.

Tax deductible contributions to Camp Inspiration can be made online the Somerset Hills YMCA website, or by sending at your check to Camp Inspiration, c/o Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mount Airy Rd, Basking Ridge N.J., 07920. Please earmark your gift ‘Camp Inspiration’. Every dollar donated goes toward camping costs. All administrative expenses are handled by the Bernardsville News and the Somerset Hills YMCA. Unless anonymous, donors will be recognized each week in the newspaper in gratitude for their gift.

The six levels of giving include: Caring: up to $50, Honesty: up to $100, Respect: up to $150, Responsibility: up to $200, Leadership: up to $500, and Inspiration: $500 and above

A clothing collection will be set up in the lobby of the Y to support the two boys. If you would like to donate clothing for Alexander and Kirill, here are their immediate needs.

New: boys’ underwear - size 6& size 8-10; socks - for kid’s shoe size 11-3
New or gently used:
boys’ summer shirts, sweat shirts - size 6 & 8/10
shorts, jeans, swimsuits - size 4/5 and 7
pajamas - size 5/6 and 7/8
Miscellaneous: Backpacks/lunch boxes for camp; baseball hats, booster seats (for the car)

For more information about Alexander and Kirill, or hosting children for the summer, please contact Janet at janbriC@yahoo.com

Thank you from the Bernardsville News and the Somerset Hills YMCA on behalf of the children you help us support.