KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., last week helped about 45 youngsters recently arrived from war-torn Ukraine observe and celebrate their nation’s Independence Day.
The young people gathered in the theater, where they performed in front of family members and sponsors. There were songs, dances, a performance on the flute-like sopilka and poems expressing how much they love and miss their country and hopes for peace.
The event also served as the finale for the summer camp they participated in at KleinLife. A slide show and video, to the tune of We are the World, captured them enjoying themselves at camp and on field trips and celebrating their birthdays.
Families and sponsors presented summer camp supervisor Victoria Faykin and her teachers with flowers.
After the performance, the children ate cupcakes and received book bags (courtesy of the office of Marat Ioshpa – State Farm Insurance, 8420 Bustleton Ave.) and sidewalk chalk (courtesy of the Central Jersey Donation Center).
KleinLife is trying to raise $750,000 through its Grow Hope campaign. The money will fund programs for the children and their mothers, including an after-school program, a 2023 summer camp, emergency food packages, medical and dental support, school admissions, work authorization and care work.
To donate, go to www.kleinlife.org, and click on Grow Hope. ••
