Holiday House Gearing Up For Second Annual Garage Sale; Seeks Donations

The North Shore Holiday House, a summer camp for underprivileged girls, is tucked quietly away on a residential street just north of the village.  Since it was formed in 1914 by a group of Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor women, local community members have financially supported Holiday House, providing summer camp completely free of charge to the approximately 200 girls, aged seven to 11 and all from Long Island, who attend each summer.

Funds come from donations, fundraisers and the thrift shop in the lower level run completely by volunteers and proceeds go directly to running the camp each summer. 

Director of Administration Janice Rochstein's eyes light up when she speaks about the prospect of a 100th anniversary celebration in four years. Janice said even with the economic downturn, programs at Holiday House continue. Everything gets reevaluated for its viability given the current level of giving. "The Holiday House provides a summer camp experience for girls who wouldn't normally have this type of opportunity," she said.

To further support the community efforts the North Shore Holiday House will be having its Second Annual Garage Sale, April 17 and 18 to raise additional funds. Donations are currently being accepted and all proceeds will go directly to support the upcoming 2010 camp season.

Holiday House originated in a World War I barrack that was placed on the property decades ago.  After a fire, a new building was erected and stood until 2002. Nearly ninety years and over 17,000 participants put a toll on the structures and through numerous fundraising efforts, demolition and reconstruction began back in 2001.

Completed in 2002, the 10,000 square foot main building now consists of a kitchen and dining hall, lobby and multi-purpose large area room, director's and administrator's offices, craft room, nurse's office, sick room and director's apartment.

During their summer camp experience the girls have the opportunity to take a break from their regular lives for two weeks. Cell phones and the Internet are replaced with drama club, journal writing, movie night and campfires where traditional s'mores and scary stories are shared.

Building and maintaining the NSHH is truly about building community both literally and figuratively, Rochstein said. From its volunteer working board to scout groups engaging in projects such as refurbishing a large screened-in gazebo located to the rear of the main house.  NSHH is also a community service opportunity for high school students.

Holiday House is currently seeking counselors, a nurse, food service workers and other positions. An employment application is attached.

Upcoming events:
Garage Sale: April 17 and 18 (donations currently being accepted)

Annual Spring Benefit: June 5, 2010