EDITOR:

As we approach this holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the generous and compassionate community of which I am a part – even through the pandemic and financial insecurities. I am reminded that while we traditionally focus on thanks and giving this time of year, one of the most important things we can do is extend the spirit of thanksgiving throughout the year. Gifts of time, goods, services, and money are all critical to the charitable organizations who work to fill the gaps for those in need. The Youth Assistance Program (YAP) of Delta County is one of those organizations. As a recipient of these gifts, YAP has been able to provide for the outstanding needs of children for 34 years.

Sometimes the needs of kids are obvious – shoes or boots with holes causing wet socks and feet, clothes that are worn and too small causing discomfort and insecurity, and a backpack causing embarrassment because it’s held together by layers of duct tape. In fact, many needs are only revealed when adults connect with kids and take the time to find simple solutions for what can be big problems from a child’s point of view. Providing for kids is never about “things” alone, but when a child has gone without, some “things” can allow them to be more present in their childhood after letting go of a worry. One such thing was a pillow and blanket for a child who slept on the couch and came to school tired every day. When his sleep improved, his behavior also improved and he was better able to engage in activities with his peers and learn alongside them. For another student who walked to work, a bike allowed him to expand his employment search and he was able to accept a higher paying job that made him feel valued for his skills. Experiences like camp or extracurricular activities like sports, robotics, and other clubs can also be accessed through YAP grants. The grants provided aren’t really about the costs, it’s about knowing that there are people these kids never met and cared enough to invest in them.

It is truly a privilege to be a part of an all-volunteer organization that honors childhood through the giving of others with 99.95 percent of all funds raised going directly to the needs of children. Please consider supporting YAP or another organization in our community throughout the year – together we can do so much to make Thanksgiving more than just a holiday.

Lacy Lauzon

YAP President