CAMP FIRE USA Letter-writing day to uplift kids

About 600 million letters have been sent since the project began six years ago.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Children of any age are always in need of affirmation and support.
Camp Fire USA is helping to meet those needs with its sixth annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day set for Thursday.
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is a national event that celebrates children by asking adults to write letters to the children in their lives. The letters may be to any child, such as neighbors or friends.
Barbara Smith, executive director/CEO of the Campfire USA Northeast Ohio Council, said a bond exists between the person writing the letter and the child who receives it.
The annual event is set for the third Thursday in March. Over the past six years, an estimated 600 million letters have been sent.
Sept. 11 influence: This year, there is an emphasis on the program in light of Sept. 11. Many children have been emotionally affected by the events and aftermath and are in need of the added support.
"We all need to experience how simple words and caring advice can make a world of difference," Smith said. "You don't realize what an impact it makes."
Smith added that something as simple as a note in a lunch box is a "pat on the back" that can have a significant impact on the child. The letters are meant to be something tangible for the child to have in times of need.
No age limit: Such letters are not limited to young children. Although Camp Fire USA is emphasizing the younger crowd, those of all ages benefit from the affirming letters.
Smith received one letter from her father, praising her for her work with the program.
As a part of the national campaign for the program, volunteers passed out stationery and information on the day at area malls.
Volunteer Carol Ricker of Austintown, who has worked with Camp Fire USA for almost 20 years, helped to pass out information at the malls, as did her daughter, who is a part of one of Camp Fire USA's teen programs.
Purpose: Ricker said she sees the day as one "to show kids that they're someone special, even in this world of negative things."
Celebrities and politicians also have taken part in the letter writing. The Northeast Ohio Council recently received a letter from U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine written to all the children of Ohio. Camp Fire USA is a youth development agency that serves both boys and girls. It was founded in 1910, and the Northeast Ohio Council was chartered in 1920.
The organization also has club programs for children, community family programs, Teens in Action (a community service group), safety and self-reliance programs and environmental concerns programs.