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Military families offered free fun on the beach
By KIM BENN
The Intelligencer

Two Burlington County, N.J., residents have come up with a plan to say "thank you" to American soldiers - and give their spouses and kids a reprieve from the daily images of war.

Michelle Farias and her daughter, Stacey Jordan, have begun Project Fun at the Beach to provide free housing units at the Jersey shore to families of military personnel who have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001. The program begins May 1.

"We wanted to do something as a thank you," said Farias of Edgewater Park. "We wanted to let them know that we are grateful for what they are doing."

Jordan, who lives in Moorestown, said she got the idea while watching a TV story about how children were coping with the war.

"I thought, 'These poor kids are faced with the war 24 hours a day,' " Jordan said. "I can't even imagine having a parent overseas."

So, Jordan said, she decided to do something to help the kids and spouses of soldiers.

Jordan and Farias, who own rental properties on Long Beach Island, are asking real estate agents and homeowners to donate unbooked weeks or weekends to soldiers' families.

"Hopefully, we will have enough units to meet the need," Farias said.

During the off-season months of May, June and September, the weekends are "absolutely gorgeous" on Long Beach Island, but a number of homes are empty, Farias said.

"I think once word gets out, this will become something people really want to do," Jordan said.

The Burlington County Active Duty Assistance Program will administer requests from the families of deployed military men and women. Proof of activation will be checked through the county program.

Jordan said military personnel who were deployed and have returned can still participate in the program. There is no residency requirement to participate.

Families of military personnel can call ADAP at (609) 265-5222 to check available dates. Homeowners interested in donating their units can call (856) 235-0502.

Kim Benn can be reached at kbenn@phillyburbs.com.

I can't believe the American spirit it is truly an amazing thing.


April 13, 2003 5:33 AM


















http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-04132003-72761.html I can't believe the American spirit it is truly an amazing thing.