| |
Published: Jun 21, 2006 Pasco Tribune
Subject: Group Exemplifies Teamwork
Group Exemplifies Teamwork
Individuals who strive to better communities deserve our admiration. They are motivated and work to control their own fate instead of depending upon government or other parties.
And then there are The American Dream Practitioners, who have taken activism in Pasco County to a new height because of the enormity of the issue they're tackling - poverty.
Dedicated and caring don't adequately describe these folks, who gather today at Saint Leo University for their fifth congress, but it's a start.
Inspired by Bob Loring, co-lead organizer of East Pasco Toys for Tots, the group has expanded on the Toys for Tots holiday gift distribution program to include food, personal hygiene products, school supplies and other essentials for children in poverty. The group relies on area "captains" to identify community needs and teamwork and kind hearts to fulfill them. They work feverishly in the most impoverished pockets of central, east and northeast Pasco
And it's done without government funding, which is refreshing. The group has shown what can be done when people work together in communities. Their work ethic and determination should serve to remind other groups that lack of funding is no excuse not to make an effort.
Communication issues will be a major topic at today's gathering, and rightfully so - many of the families helped by the initiative don't speak English. Loring is concerned they may not be able to decipher hurricane warnings and other government messages. This is an issue that is worthy of discussion, considering Hispanics are Pasco's largest minority, numbering well over 20,000, and are woefully underrepresented on government boards.
Even though TAD is driven by volunteers, it is tapping into a growing network of government agencies for help with things such as the use of community centers for distribution points and rounding up school supplies. These include police and fire departments in Zephyrhills; county government; and the public county school system. Several churches also pitch in. This collaboration should increase to make even greater impact. All deserve applause for joining hands to help our less fortunate residents.
The progress that TAD has made in just a few years is remarkable. Its success is a tribute to the caring volunteers who realize that every little bit of help can add up to a big difference in the lives of children.
Just think of the possibilities if more people and entities worked together.
|
|
