The American Dream - 2010
By Bob Loring

As is our custom, we wish to state TAD’s (The American Dream) plan for this year.

On June 16th we will convene our 9th TAD Congress. As usual, the congress will be free to the public, and hopefully, we will be able to provide lunch to all our honored delegates. This year, the City of Zephyrhills has kindly offered to allow us to hold our annual event in the Zephyrhills City Hall building.

Our annual TAD Congress represents an opportunity for childcare practitioners, educators, students, and concerned citizens to meet, network and share skills. This year’s main focus seeks to honor several faith-based organizations that actively assist our children, and our community.

Zephyrhills City Manager, Steve Spina will welcome all our congressional delegates, and our State Representative, Will Weatherford will make opening remarks. The day’s program will feature presentations by several Faith-Based organizations active in the East Pasco community. The projects set to present include: The Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills, The Salvation Army, The Boy Scouts of America, Food for Tots, and Operation Unwrap a Smile. In the afternoon, David West will address our delegates concerning a crucial community topic of interest to all our child care advocates. His presentation is titled: “The Face of Poverty.”

In the early fall, Projects of Pasco, Inc., will again attempt to provide many ‘at risk’ children with a new backpack and an abundant amount of needed school supplies. Again this year, we hope to hold our annual ‘school supply’ event in the friendly confines of Wesley Chapel Elementary school.

At this year’s congress, Toys for Tots of East Pasco will be announcing a new partnership with The Boy Scouts of America. This new pilot program will attempt to introduce some of the children Toys for Tots serves to the exciting world of scouting. Toys for Tots of East Pasco will provide each participating child with a new bike and helmet, and The Gulf Ridge Council will provide each boy with his first ‘official’ Boy Scout uniform.

At Christmas time, Toys for Tots of East Pasco will seek to provide toys and other essential items to a record number of children. Our goal this holiday season will be to provide toys, food, skivvies (socks & underwear), and other important items for a record number of ‘at risk’ children.

Importantly, as always, we will seek to involve our Toys for Tots children in various educational and other community activities and experiences. Of course, our success depends on the kindness and active support of our caring community.

Toys for Tots of East Pasco wishes to thank the compassionate people of East & Central Pasco County for your ‘always faithful’ efforts in assisting us in making a difference in the lives of many needy children. Together, shall seek to make “The (GREAT) American Dream,” attainable for our precious children.