Christine & John Charitis have partnered with the Staten Island Zoo to create the Very Joyful Comfort Program. Created in loving memory of their daughters Victoria Ann and Joanna Lynn Charitis, the VJC Program provides access to education programs and animal encounters for nursing homes and children’s hospitals.
The therapeutic benefit of interacting with animals is well documented, the funds committed to the VJC Program allows the Zoo to bring animals to local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for encounters with the residents. It also provides regular virtual presentations to children’s hospitals, where in-person visits are not possible.
You can make a donation to the Very Joyful Comfort Program by clicking the link below and donating online. You can also download and print the form to mail your donation to the Staten Island Zoo.
