Nate, Ginny and Barbie will tell you there's still a waiting list

School is back in session and the Christmas decorations have been put away. Many of us are using the latest "techie" device that we got for Christmas or we are proudly wearing new clothes that were a holiday gift. Did you get that perfect gift that was on your Christmas list? Even with the 107 new mentors that were recruited during our 100 mentors in 100 days campaign there are still kids waiting for the special gift of an adult partner.

Here are some of the kids still waiting for partners. Nate is a 6-year-old, full-of-energy boy. Any guy who loves sports would be an ideal partner for him. Nate lives with his mom and older brother in Brainerd. His favorite subject in school is math.

Ginny is 12 years old and lives in Baxter with her grandmother. Her favorite subjects are math and multi-media. Ginny's interests include bike riding, rollerblading, bowling, swimming, drawing, fishing, cooking and computer and electronic games.

Barbie is 12 years old and lives in Crosby with her dad. She was matched briefly, but work commitments of the adult partner forced a premature end to the partnership. Barbie is quiet, but her withdrawn behavior doesn't mean she isn't interested in finding a partner. She needs a friendly, positive woman who will build her self-confidence and give her the opportunity to learn how to cook, bake, go to movies, bowling and learn to care for herself.

Can you help make the new year brighter for these children? You may be just the person to share special times with them and make a difference in their lives. If you would like more information about becoming an Adult Partner, please call Kinship Partners at 829-4606 in Brainerd, or e-mail us at mentors@kinshippartners.org or lakes@kinshippartners.org, outside the Brainerd area call 1-877-730-5437 and we will send you an application.

You may also visit our Web site at www.kinshippartners.org. Kinship encourages you to "Be a FriendBe a Mentor".