CAMARILLO : Donations Sought for Hospital Playground

A volunteer group at Camarillo State Hospital is seeking donations to replace a 40-year-old rusted playground with new, brightly colored, modern equipment.

Marines & Friends 4 the Camarillo Kids is a 2 1/2-year-old nonprofit organization that regularly visits 90 emotionally disturbed children, ages 8 to 14, said John Miranda, a Moorpark ex-Marine who heads the volunteer group.

“With the budget cuts and all of the other priorities of the hospital, the playground has always been put at the bottom of the pile,” Miranda said. “If we can do something to help these kids who we love very much, then we’re going to do it. This is very important to have for kids, and we know all of the kids will use the new equipment.”

Marines & Friends, which has 22 members, hopes to raise $25,000 for the playground equipment and installation, Miranda said.

Monetary contributions, donations of new equipment and contractor services are welcome, he said.

In addition to providing entertainment, the playground equipment will be used to help the children develop hand-eye coordination, motor movements, dexterity, strength, balance, confidence and self-esteem, said Jerry Scheurn of Camarillo State Hospital.

“I think this is a worthy project and will benefit the kids,” Scheurn said. “Each year it’s been put in as a budget item, but it’s seen as a fringe benefit type of thing. Due to the recession and state economy, we haven’t been able to provide a budget for it at this time. With the way things are going, I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.”

Tax-deductible donations may be made by writing Marines & Friends at P.O. Box 1751, Moorpark 93020-1751, or by calling 523-9523.