We Nyoda girls sing about spreading camp spirit far and wide, but at the Camper Reunion held in early January, one counselor found a meaningful way to channel the generosity of Nyoda families to serve her community. With the support of the Farmhouse, this year’s reunion spotlighted a charitable organization that was dear to the heart of 2018 counselor Cristina Cusmai (Tia ’17). Cristina has been involved with the Covenant House organization for three years through a school club that she now leads. Her involvement has included organizing school drives and events to help raise money and collect supplies to support the organization. But in January, Cristina brought her service work to the Nyoda community. True to form (and song!), the Nyoda community went above and beyond. Here is Cristina’s story…

I have been working with the Covenant House organization for almost four years now; it is an organization that houses and educates homeless youth throughout America. Upon hearing that Peggy was looking for an organization to spotlight during the Camper Reunion, I was eager to somehow get my favorite community (Nyoda) involved in one of my favorite organizations. I think Peggy and I both had the same expectations for the donations: we would be grateful for whatever we received. However, upon arriving at the reunion, I saw an outpouring of support for this organization through the numerous donations I received – boxes upon boxes of necessary supplies (diapers, toiletries, gift cards, etc.) for these grateful homeless young people. Three days after the reunion I came home to find my front stoop covered in five large Amazon boxes. My mom was immediately concerned that I had impulsively bought a bunch of stuff, but, in actuality, a very charitable Nyoda family bought and donated what turned out to be hundreds of dollars worth of supplies.

Seeing all these donations and feeling the support from campers, their families, and alumnae has truly made me feel so grateful to be part of this Nyoda community. I am proud and honored to be part of such an empowering and charitable family. I have never seen such a huge amount of generosity and support from so many people in my life, and I am incredibly grateful for it as are the residents and clients of Covenant House. To everyone who has donated, thank you from the bottom of my heart; you have no idea how much this will help so many people. To those who are still interested in donating, I encourage you to visit the Covenant House website and learn more; every little bit counts!

Nyoda Love,

Cusmai