It was Winston Churchill who said: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

As we celebrate the season of togetherness and gift giving, who better to give to than the children of our own community? Because of the generous donations community members make to the Recreation for Youth Fund, about 150 of our city’s children are able to take one of the enriching classes Placerville’s Recreation and Parks Department offers every year. If families with financial constraints meet the requirements for receiving youth assistance, the Youth Fund pays for 50 percent of their child’s class registration fees every six months.

The City of Placerville’s Recreation for Youth Fund was established in 1995 to serve the youth of El Dorado County. One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the fund for disbursement to the children who apply. The City of Placerville believes every child deserves the chance to paint, dance, swim, play basketball or learn karate. However, the funds are running low. By donating, not only will you receive the satisfaction of knowing your money is going directly to the children of our community, but your name will be posted in the Activity Guide, which is delivered to more than 10,000 residents three times a year.

Help keep this program alive and make sure that no child is turned away. To donate, call 530-642-5232 or mail your donation check to 549 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667.

For more information about the City of Placerville Recreation and Parks Department, call 530-642-5232 or visit cityofplacerville.org.