HEREABOUTS beth anspach
Al Talib is passionate about helping kids. And he learned about Campfire USA, headquartered in Huber Heights, from his friend Keith Harrison, executive director of the local organization. “People aren’t aware of what Campfire does anymore,” Talib said. “And that it helps thousands of kids right here in our own communities.”
Talib, who works for Western & Southern Financial Group, a Cincinnati based financial services organization, is working with Harrison to help make people aware of options to support “worthwhile organizations” like Campfire USA.
“We want people to know there are many options besides the more traditional donations to nonprofit organizations,” Talib said. “And Campfire has been around for 100 years as of last year, helping kids with academics, enriched summer day camps and after-school programs. But with budget cuts and the state of the economy, they depend on county funding and foundations, and now they need individuals to step up, or organizations like Campfire might go away for good.”
Talib said charitable giving can take a lot of different forms — from asset annuities to tax write offs.
“There are a lot of ways we can help with the process,” he said.
The century-long Campfire story was more and more interesting to Talib as he learned about the organization. “I found out about all the things they do for kids, and I visited often,” he said. “When I saw what goes on here, well, I really do wish more people could see it. I think there are a lot of people who would be compelled and would want to do something to keep this organization going.”
Talib and Harrison are working together to help educate the Huber Heights community and surrounding communities about how they can support Campfire USA, and the more than 6,000 young people the organization currently serves in Montgomery, Miami, Clark and Warren counties.
On May 12, Talib will be hosting a public forum about Campfire USA and options for support. It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Campfire USA headquarters at 4301 Powell Road in Huber Heights. Talib hopes that people will come not only to learn more about financial options, but also about the organization he has grown to love.
“People don’t necessarily think they have enough to give or that they can make a difference,” Talib said. “But if an organization is in your own community, you have an obligation to support it. The fact is, Campfire is the only after-school organization of its kind in Huber Heights. And you can make a difference without it being a great hardship for you or your family.”
Contact this writer at (937) 475-8212 or banspach@ymail.com.
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