McDonald House gives $5,000 to help 4-H campers

Ronald McDonald House Charities will award a $5,000 grant to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County today to help send about 20 children to 4-H Camp Wabasso, Redwood.

"We're trying to provide a traditional camp experience for kids who otherwise might not be able to come to camp," said Stephanie A. Graf, Cornell Cooperative Extension Youth and Family Development Program leader.

Full and/or partial scholarships may be awarded. Exact prices for this year have not yet been determined. Those interested in attending 4-H Camp Wabasso should call Kristen Dodge at the Extension office at 788-8450.

A formal announcement of the camp grant will come at a 10 a.m. press conference today at McDonald's, Arsenal Street. The charity will give $27,522 in grants.

Other grants to be awarded today are:

■ $5,000 to the Churches of Canton/Church and Community Program to help cover the cost of providing vouchers for children's footwear, to benefit about 150 children in the Canton area.

■ $3,272 to E.J. Noble Hospital, Gouverneur, to help minimize the risk of medication errors in children by purchasing video equipment and a medication reference license for each computer in which medications are prescribed so staff can consult with the off-duty pharmacist. The grant also will help purchase an infant weight scale.

■ $2,500 to the Jefferson Community College Foundation, Watertown, for financial assistance with the science division's Super Science Saturday on Feb. 7.

■ $3,750 to Lewis County Opportunities, Lowville, toward the setup of a playground area with picnic table, sand box and fence to ensure privacy at the agency's domestic violence shelter.

■ $3,000 to the Make a Wish Foundation of Central New York to help make a wish come true for a child in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties.

■ $5,000 to St. Lawrence County NYSARC to help defray the cost of a basketball court that was installed last summer at Dodge Pond, Fine.

Bonnie J. Corbin, McDonald's Watertown marketing director, said funds for the grants come from change McDonald's customers put in canisters at the restaurants, World Children's Day events, and a portion of several special seasonal sales.

"Every dollar — it adds up," she said.

Last year, Ronald McDonald House Charities awarded $75,752 to programs to benefit north country children. The funding difference this year is due to the agency's $50,000 pledge last year to Samaritan Medical Center for the hospital's expansion and renovation project.

Since it became a viable organization 11 years ago, the local Ronald McDonald House Charities has given away approximately $625,000 in grants.