We belong to the Lowe's YMCA and give to the Community Out Reach program because it's important for us to know our time and resources make a difference in our community.
 
We sponsored the Star Fish program in 2008 for a second year because we saw it change the lives of kids in our community.  Our donation goes to a child who may be left behind in school because of their reading ability.  It's proven that these children are at high risk and not graduating high school.  The Star Fish Academy provides children with the opportunity to improve their reading skills and advance their reading levels while having a blast at summer camp.
 
The Star Fish Academy also provides us a chance to connect personally to the program.  We have the opportunity to visit the classes, volunteer, and with our sponsorship we are able to donate a book for the class to read.  We selected "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.  It's been a life long favorite book of mine that tells a story of satisfaction received from giving.
 
I would encourage any one to participate and give to the Star Fish program.  It an opportunity to see your donation change a life.