New York, NY—RTP, Rehabilitation Through Photography, is in the final month of its 2010 Summer Camera Drive, with only 75 more cameras needed by September 1, 2010 to help equip its current programs.
RTP has been transforming the lives of people with special needs through photography for almost 70 years. Now is the time for you to become part of the Regenerate & Reinvigorate program by donating cameras. This is your opportunity to donate a new or used camera, which can be a digital or film camera, to help change the lives of hundreds of people with special needs through the magic of photography.
The organization started and helps run 25 programs that use photography as a unique form of therapy, with 55 classes a week, 695 participants ages 8 to 80 and a total of 30,000 hours of instruction each year. The programs serve all facets of the community from the physically and emotionally handicapped, developmentally disabled, at risk or economically challenged youth, the homeless, the visually impaired and nursing home residents.
The photography instruction engages individuals with the wider world beyond their limitations and empowers them to see and act in creative and life-affirming ways. RTP believes that the act of capturing the beauty and vitality of the world with a camera, and then enhancing the resulting images, rekindles an individual’s interest in and excitement about life.
“The Summer Camera Drive is an integral part of our program,” said Jane Becker, executive director of RTP. “The equipment we receive in the next 30 days will make a world of difference in the lives of our program participants. Some participants have used photography not only to enrich their lives, but also as a stepping-stone to further education or to a career in photography. Your donation is urgently needed, and we gladly accept cash donations as well.”
About the RTP 2010 Summer Camera Drive
To reach the goal for this summer’s camera drive, RTP will accept all types of cameras that are in working condition, from easy point-and-shoot compact cameras to SLRs. A donation of one camera from an individual is as treasured as a large donation from a camera manufacturer or dealer, the organization notes. Whenever possible, please include flash cards, downloadable cables, battery charger, straps and instructions books with cameras. Donations of accessories, such as lenses, camera bags, tripods, media cards, batteries and film, are also welcome.
Please ship all donated cameras and accessories directly to: RTP, 3 East 33rd Street, Suite 101, New York, NY 10016. All donations are tax deductible. rtphoto.org
