King Kullen Grocery Company, Inc., recently sponsored year 2000 summer camp programs for over 700 disadvantaged children. King Kullen, with headquarters in Bethpage, presented two Long Island family organizations with a $15,000 contribution to divide between them. The money was equally distributed between the Family and Children's Association in Nassau County and the Family Service League in Suffolk.

"We were able to send a record number of children to camp this summer thanks in large measure to the generosity of King Kullen," said Richard P. Dina, Family and Children's Association president and CEO. "Nassau County children attend day or sleep-away camps, including Celebration Day Camp, Computer Camp and All American Basketball Camp."

The children chosen by the two Long Island family associations come from families whose financial situations do not allow them to receive the camp experience. Many of the children who attend the camps live in single-parent situations. Their ages range from 7 to 17 years old.

In making the presentation of the two $7,500 checks, Co-President of King Kullen Brian Cullen said that the family owned and operated business is "honored and pleased to provide children with unforgettable experiences spent enjoying new activities and learning new skills."

Each association finds that children who attend summer camps learn to acquire confidence and self-esteem while learning cooperation and sharing skills. They carry their heightened social skills through the year as they show improvement in their school performances and show a greater responsibility to their families.

Most of the children who attend the camp go to the day sessions, ranging from two week to eight week programs. Others attend the sleep-away camps available.

According to Reinhardt Van Dyke Jr., director of the Suffolk Association, the league has been committed to strengthening families, helping children and empowering individuals since its 1926 founding.

"We are grateful for the support of Long Island's corporate leaders, including King Kullen. The children in our camp program have responded positively."

King Kullen has been contributing to the two camp associations for approximately 10 years, and a resource development director at the Family and Children's Association said the camps would not be able to operate without their support and donations.