The children need you!

Between 400 and 500 children participate in free after school programs sponsored by the Optimist Club of Summit County, Colorado.  They play volleyball and chess; participate in scholarship contests for speaking and essay writing, and are given internships at local businesses to help them make good career choices.  This Optimist Club is doing exactly what every Optimist Club strives to do. 

But as the Summit County Optimist Club has found out, it takes more than money to keep these programs going.  It takes volunteers.  Their main fundraisers - a golf tournament and ski pass raffle - generate approximately $15,000 each year.  According to the club secretary, revenues were down a little this year, but the club can still cover its obligations and even help children do a little bit more.  The real challenge according to treasurer Bill Wallace is finding the people to mentor, supervise or just be available for the kids. 

This is a universal challenge of course.  We're busy.  We donate money, not time.  We hope that others will join the cause first.  All service clubs hear similar excuses, but the bottom line is that the children need you!  They need us - caring adults - to make a difference in their lives every day.  Please don't make excuses.  Join an Optimist Club today. 

Photo submitted by the Dillon Lake Summit County Optimist Club.  To find an Optimist Club near you, please click here.