7-Eleven Owner Raises Money for Special Needs Camp

Westhampton Beach and Center Moriches 7-Eleven owner Richard Santonocito says he has raised thousands of dollars for a summer camp that services children with development disabilities simply by placing a change jar on the counter. 

Santonocito says he decided to start collecting money for Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck_after he joined the camp's board of directors four years ago. 

"We had placed jars to raise money for other causes in the past,” he said. “When I joined the board, I wanted to get the word out and help the camp. I thought it was a good idea to help them raise money and get recognition for the camp at the same time.”

His mission paid off.  This week, he announced that his collection had yielded $16,000. The money, he said, will benefit the programs for special-needs children and young adults who attend the camp during the summer and its respite weekends from September through June.

“The money that goes into those jars will definitely benefit the children and young adults who attend the camp,” Santonocito said. “To some people, it may be a couple of coins in a jar, but it adds up to providing a great summertime experience for the campers.”