by Community Justice Network For Youth . (CJNY) It was a great time to get together and share ideas of how to stop the Rail to Jail that is happening across this country today. I wish to personally thank Grace Bauer for all the assistance she provided to The Throw Away Kids Network. I wish to also Thank the Burns Institute for holding this conference on important issues of juveniles. It was great and looking forward to the next one.  

The Throw Away Kids were at Orange Youth  Academy with Mr.  Cal Pate and staff on 12/ 11/10. We took in BIBLES and Basketballs. It was a different outreach than all the others we have had. Shawn Allen, His Will , Kemmo and Alex were on board to Chop- it -up with the kids. They played basketball and football and all sorts of board games. The kids were given cookies and holiday candy and a BIBLE if they wanted one. There were smiles all a round. It was great to just laugh and remember that JESUS loves them and so do we.  

We were next at Hastings with Pastor Donna Rigney and Pastor Jack and their friends . Mr. Keith Banks as always is a pleasure to visit with. We had 60 kids and they sang Christmas songs and received gifts. They had pizza and ice cream treats . The kids had a great time . The Throw Away Kids gave each dorm a basketball and football combo so the kids could get out on the  court. Bibles were also donated to the program.

Last, we were at Palmetto on Christmas Eve.  The kids were very appreciate of us coming. Since it was Christmas Eve it was hard to find someone to come. I wish to personally thank Carrie and her friend Marie that drove down from Port Richey to give my kids Christmas Cards and spend time with them They played cards ,checkers ,and other games with them and just talked to them . Dilligence came and played basketball and talked to the kids. Thank you all for your love for these kids. Special thank -you to Ms. Wynn and Mrs. Bertha Green for your dedication to that program and the kids.  

This closes out another year for The Throw Away Kids and I look forward to a more exciting year to come. Happy New Year and God Bless You .

Blessings, Rita