CHILD IN NEED

He's at it again.

Gary Walters and family have begun their trek to cover Minnesota, top to bottom, in an effort to raise funds and much-needed mentors for Kinship Partners. When breaking his trip down into hours, it helps us all realize what a commitment this undertaking is for Gary and his children.

If one of them walks for eight hours a day for 21 days, this equals 168 hours. If four of them are able to walk eight hours a day for 21 days, this comes to a whopping total of 672 hours.

We ask our adult mentors to spend two to three hours per week with their Junior Partner, which comes to about 150 hours a year. Doesn't that seem like a much more doable number of hours than 672? The experience of befriending a youngster in need is much more pleasurable, too, and involves no walking in the rain with blistered feet. In most cases the Adult Partner looks forward to time together as much as the child does.

Two of our most recent additions to the waiting list are a brother and sister from Brainerd. Jason and Amber live with their mom and attend Forestview Middle School. Their dad lives in the area but contact with him is minimal. Twelve-year-old Amber and 13-year-old Jason have wonderful personalities.

Both children are excited about the prospect of having an adult to do fun activities with and both said they are open to trying whatever activities their Adult Partner enjoys. Amber especially loves swimming, baking, gardening and hanging out at the arcade, playing games. Jason loves camping, woodworking, drawing and fishing, and he has always wanted to try snowmobiling or attending the state fair.

There is something about these two children that just makes you want to reach out to them and befriend them. They are fun-loving, polite kids who could really use another adult in their lives. They are close to the mom, but she admits that it is tough being a single parent; and at this stage of the children's lives it is even more important that they have another adult they can talk to and rely on.

We know everyone can't get out on the trail and walk over 400 miles to recruit mentors. However, just about everyone can find a couple of hours each week to spend with a child who really needs an adult friend. Please let Gary know that you support him, his family and what they are trying to achieve. And the best way to show your support is becoming an Adult Partner.

Please give us a call and let us know you are willing to take on this commitment. You can reach us at 829-4606 in Brainerd, kinshippartners@qwest.net; 568-4015 in Pequot Lakes, kinship@uslink.net, or toll free at 1-877-730-5437. You can also visit our website at www.kinship.brainerd.com or visit Gary's website at www.marchingformentors.com.