Editor,

I am a new resident of Whidbey Island, having moved here from Rhode Island. When I visited the island last winter, I signed on to volunteer at The HUB in Langley. I was immediately impressed with the organization, the program and the wonderful people involved.

I have been an educator for over 40 years and know the value of after-school programs that occupy time for today’s young people. Research tells us that the time from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. is when young people who have no or little supervision can and do make some bad choices.

Every day after school, anywhere from 15 to 35 or more middle and high school students go to The HUB in a space donated by the Methodist Church on Anthes Avenue for a meal, a place to hang out with friends, do homework, and be in a comfortable, safe atmosphere. Volunteers cook the meals and two paid staff members are present every day. Its very active board of directors is committed and work tirelessly to keep The HUB running well and open for hopefully a long time to come.

The HUB is a non-profit organization and gets no money except for donations and fundraisers planned by the board, of which I am a new member. It is in need of more donations and volunteer help at the fundraisers and in their planning, in addition to even more community support. How wonderful it would be if a working partnership could be established with the South Whidbey School District to get more students involved.

Please consider visiting the website, donating to a very important cause, and/or offering your time to help out. It really does take a village to raise children.

LESLIE IMPROTA

Coupeville