Elks help Freehold youngster
FREEHOLD - Carissa Nicole Wilson loves to be outdoors and to play with other children, even if she can only sit in her chair and watch.
Carissa's primary means of mobility is her wheelchair.
Carissa, 10, of the borough, was born with spina bifida and has no use of her lower extremities, but that will not stop her from enjoying a summer at camp.
Freehold Elks Lodge No. 1454 will host its annual charity ball on April 23 to raise money for the organization's handicapped children's committee. Carissa has been chosen as this year's honoree, which means she will soon be enjoying some fun at Elks Camp Moore. Her attendance will be paid for by the Elks.
According to Grace Soden, a spokeswoman for the lodge, the Elks send many local children who have special needs to the camp.
The New Jersey State Elks Handi-capped Children's Committee maintains a summer camp in the Haskell section of Wanaque, Passaic County. Elks Camp Moore, also known as "The Miracle on the Mountain," according to the organization's Internet Web site, welcomes about 700 handicapped campers per season. Local Elks lodges pay for the youngsters who attend the camp.
The camp's primary function is to enable children to use and further develop recreational, social and leisure skills through activities presented in a positive, enjoyable and appropriate manner and in a real-life situation.
According to a press release from the Elks, Carissa uses braces to keep her muscles toned. In addition to spina bifida, she also has a seizure disorder that is controlled by medication.
Carissa, who attends the Park Avenue Elementary School, enjoys playing soccer in The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPS) in Toms River in the fall and spring.
Carissa said she is looking forward to attending Elks Camp Moore.
For more information about the charity ball call the Freehold Elks Lodge at (732) 431-8707.
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