To the editor:

Kudos to Ben Watanabe for shining the light in praise of the South Whidbey High School cheerleading team (Dec. 22, “Cheerleaders spread holiday cheer to foster kids”).

Not only did Victoria and fellow cheerleaders conduct a successful fundraising campaign, they also chose to share their time, talent and hearts in celebration with children in-care. What’s more, the cheerleading team wants to continue their outreach and awareness campaign well into this New Year.

The Kids First Team is deeply grateful to these young citizens for their dedication and commitment to building partnerships that link children with opportunities in Island County. They are proof positive that, on South Whidbey, there are many ways to help children in foster care gain experiences and build memories that will make positive and meaningful differences in their lives.

On behalf of the Kids First Team, I send this heartfelt thanks to Victoria, Nicole and the SWHS cheerleading team, to Payless Foods, and to fellow South Whidbey community members. It is by the grace of your partnership and support that we enter this New Year with renewed confidence and commitment to generating positive and tangible improvements in the lives of Island County children who are in foster care.

To learn more about the ways that each of us can help, visit www.kidsfirst-ic.org or call us at 321-6121.

Patti Carroll

Kids First – Island County