Elks grant sends Yorktown kids to camp

Eight local children will head to summer camp with support from the Yorktown Elks Lodge.

The lodge awarded a $4,000 grant — written by Elks member Richard DeSilva — through the Elks National Foundation to help families who might not otherwise afford camp.

Last year, a $2,500 grant helped five children attend camp in Yorktown.

Jim Martorano Jr., superintendent of Parks and Recreation, said his department received letters from families struggling with camp costs.

Summer camp costs this year for the five-week program are $1,190.70 for a full day per child and $685.65 for a half day. Four weeks of Travel Camp, split into two two-week sessions, cost $1,944.60.

Martorano added that he, along with the “many families who receive a piece of this check,” are appreciative.

Councilman Sergio Esposito said sending the town’s children to camp is something “we sometimes take for granted” and added that he is glad to see how many families the grant can help.

“Not everybody has what everybody else has,” he said.