Help give LHS fund drive a boost

The Tiger Booster Club on Monday kicked off its campaign to raise funds to keep sports and other activities alive at

La Grande High School. The club needs to raise at least $75,000 between now and Sept. 1 to provide the necessary funding for sports and activities. Anyone who believes these extracurricular activities are important for kids should consider helping the cause.

Luckily, La Grande’s teachers have indicated they are willing to take four days off during the school year, a move that will save the district a considerable sum. The generosity of the teachers not only helps restore some teaching and staff positions, but it reduces the amount the booster club will have to raise. A month ago the club was looking at the possibility of having to raise $250,000 to keep sports and activities alive. Such an amount would be a long shot in an area that has been as hard hit by the recession as La Grande has.

The booster club, which supports all sports and activities, donated $20,000 from its coffers. So far it has raised $27,000, leaving $48,000. This community, even in times as tough as these, should be able to accomplish its goal. But it’s going to take everyone who cares about our kids to contribute — even if it’s just a little bit.

Activities, from sports to FFA and FBLA, help keep kids interested in school. Too, they help develop successful adults. Kids shouldn’t be denied a chance to participate in activities. A well-rounded education is one that includes the chance to participate in extra-curriculars.

Parents of the kids are also being asked to do more. The district is raising its participation fees. Those fees help offset the amount the booster club has to raise. It’s not inexpensive to participate in activities like it was in the day when many of us were middle or high school students. Most families recognize the importance of those activities and will find a way to pay them.

Let’s all do what we can to help the booster club’s fundraising drive. Our kids need the opportunity to be able to continue to participate in sports and other activities. Donations can be sent to Tigers Boosters, P.O. Box 2991,

La Grande 97850.