Hi Friends,

THE KIDS:  The Variations Dance Group has given to a local charity or family in need beginning in 2002.  Since 2005 we have helped the Woodland Youth Services.  It's a facility for teens from 13 - 18 years of age who have no place else to go.  They are too old for Toys for Tots.  The center has enough money to shelter and feed them but not enough for extras like Christmas presents.  In 2005 they made a public appeal for help.  Our dance friends have been super generous every year. WYS not only provides these teens with housing and food but so many other things to help them become productive citizens.  Unfortunately, they do not currently have a web site.  Attached, in PDF format, is a thank you poem the kids sent us which tells you a bit more about them.  You might want to have a tissue nearby because it will touch your heart.  Also is a flyer from WYS.

DONATIONS:  Please send all money to me, not to WYS,  so I can receive cash for our shopping trip.

Make checks payable to Woodland Youth Services, or WYS (your gift is tax deductible).  Cash is also acceptable, just be sure to include your name and address with it so you can receive a receipt.  If giving a check, write  The Variations on the memo line and mail to me at:

                Judy Bechthold

                733 Dartmouth Place

                Woodland, CA 95695

Or you can bring your donation to any of our dances or Stompers practices.  I need all money in by our dance on 12/15 so I will have time to meet with the WYS director who will convert the checks to cash for our shopping trip on 12/20.  Remember, every little bit helps.

SHOPPING:   On Wednesday, 12/20 at 8:30 a.m. we will start with a cup of coffee (and breakfast if needed) at McDonalds on east Main Street (between HWY 113 and I-5) where we will divide the wish lists that the teens provide for us. Around 9:00 a.m. we will head for WalMart and shop for about an hour or so, depending on how many volunteers we have.  The kids live in two group homes (one for girls and one for boys).  We usually plan to use some of the money to get treats for the homes.

WRAPPING:  Following the shopping on 12/20, we will go to St. John’s Church at 434 Cleveland St., Woodland to wrap the gifts.  We will have use of the activity room from 10:30 – 12:30 p.m.  For the wrapping party, everyone needs to bring gift wrap, bows, tags, scissors, assorted boxes and tape. 

Both of these events are always a lot of fun.  Usually some of us go for lunch after wrapping.

Please RSVP to me at jabkeb@aol.com if you can go shopping and/or wrapping and/or lunch.   My cell number is (530) 908-0400.