Today seems to be my day to give list members the opportunity to help some kids. I know two neighborhood teens who are seniors at West Catholic (45th & Chestnut). Both are very good kids with tough circumstances. One lost her Dad at age 4, the boy at age 13. Both have mothers who work hard to keep food on the table and health insurance in play. Both mothers struggle with other bills: one has sad expenses for a younger child's severe health issues, and the other happy expenses for a sibling's college expenses. These kids have decent grades and good attendance. They are active (not stars, but reliable members) on teams and after school clubs. They can not join their peers at the prom and may receive their diplomas late, because their tuition is not current. Almost all of us have suffered losses because of this current crappy economy. But most of us have a little discretionary spending. For example: we were able to pay our son's tuition, in full and can put a little extra aside to send as "dedicated scholarship" for both of these kids, but we can't afford to cover the entire expense. Anyone who is tired of sending money to organizations that spend less than half their money on the intended recipients might consider helping either or both of these kids get a timely high school degree, and to enjoy the benefit of being "equal" to their peers in the matter of extra curricular activities. Some on this list may even be looking for a chance to do a great good doing little more than writing a check. If you can help, in any amount. For these families, even $10.00 represents more than an hour of work. Please contact me off list. I can give provide more complete info. The checks should be payable to "West Catholic" and the remarks should contain the student's name and the words "dedicated scholarship". I'd like to make hand delivery to WC, to make sure the money gets properly credited. Know that 100% of your donations will go toward the tuition expenses of a local teen. Some may remember that I sent out a similar plea, on behalf of another WC teen, several years ago. Members of the list donated over a thousand dollars (much of that was matched, by employers) so the total was over $2,000.00. The young lady who benefited from List generosity was able to finish high school, and went on to get a nursing education and LPN license. Her widowed mother was able to focus more of her income on the needs of the younger children who, while still young, are moving on paths toward self-sufficiency. I am amazed at how much well timed help can affect a child's future. I am often awed by the good done, in this neighborhood, often by people who chose to remain anonymous. Please consider spending a few bucks to help two good kids achieve more complete and faster success. All the best! Liz Campion For those who think the "Prom" experience is frivolous, know that I'll do what I can toward tuition and personally pay for the "Prom" tickets. These kids want to go, and might gain social lessons from a "prom" experience. It is not something that will involve limos, (my husband would probably drive 3 young couples, in our 7 year-old mini-van). Prom dresses would be loaned or from a thrift shop. For me, the issue is that the kids have the same basic opportunities as their peers, and our not shut-out because of circumstances as sad as the deaths of their fathers (formerly the primary wage earners for each family). ____________________________________________________________ Keep your pool in perfect summer shape with great swimming pool supplies. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2vWV44EzZZYdcOWpejKuUMpGEw7pKcpVJq5HPsnNCfy8CwJ/
