GIVING THEM SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE AFTERMATH OF DISASTER

One of the things that high school seniors look forward to everywhere is their prom, an extravagant evening to celebrate the accomplishment of finishing their secondary schoolling while looking forward to what may be ahead. Tuxedos, fancy prom dresses, the ride in a limo, the after-prom breakfast...it's all part of the ritual.

Schools along the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been back in session for some time, and it's important to regain some sense of normality in the aftermath of disaster. At many schools the prom will go on as the height of the seniors' social year, and the Key Club at Lakeland High School is working to help those girls who would otherwise be unable to afford such extravagance during this time.

The Key Clubbers are collecting prom dresses to send to girls who live in Harrison and Hancock counties, two of the coastal areas most affected by the storm six months ago. The Lakeland Ledger story says they have 100 gowns donated by a local dress shop and have collected 25 more, but the club needs more to help bring a smile to the faces of those young ladies and help them "have a good night -- a glamorous night -- away from the devastation."

Believe me, they deserve it...and you can help. If you're in the Polk County area, you can bring donations of gowns and/or cash (they need the money for shipping) to the LHS attendance office, 726 Hollingsworth Road (just off U.S. 98), from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM this week, or on Monday you can go to the Chick-Fil-A restaurant at 4625 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland and get your car washed for free (with a donation, of course!)

If you're not in the area, please consider sending a check or money order donation to:

Lakeland Senior High School
726 Hollingsworth Road
Lakeland, Florida 33801
ATTN: Key Club

I know, it's not helping to rebuild houses or infastructure, but the Key Club of LHS is to be commended for their efforts to bring smiles to the faces of their fellow young people after all the negatives of the past six months. It will go a long way to fufilling memories that will stay with them long after the homes and lives are rebuilt. Please help 'em out.