CAMP FIRE USA Making a difference in the lives of children

The letters can be hand-delivered or mailed.
CANFIELD -- Camp Fire USA's ninth annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day will be Thursday.
On that day, Camp Fire USA wants the nation's adults to write letters of support and encouragement to children in their lives.
"The idea is simple. The time investment is minimal. The results are long-lasting," said Barbara Smith, CEO of the Camp Fire USA Northeast Ohio Council. "A letter can be so powerful and such a positive force in a child's life -- and it's an extremely rewarding and emotional experience for the letter writer as well."
Mahoning County commissioners presented Smith with a proclamation on the special day at their meeting Thursday. Smith told commissioners several civic groups have adopted schools so children are assured of receiving a letter.
Encouragement
Research shows that simple words of encouragement and compassion can make a difference in a child's life. Putting those words into a letter allows the recipient to hang onto those encouraging words, and return to them for inspiration and guidance, often for years to come.
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day supporters include President Bush and sports stars Jerry Rice and Jeff Gordon.
The council goal for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is for every child in Northeast Ohio to receive a letter. It can be left on a pillow, mailed, stuck in a lunch box, e-mailed, read over the phone, or read in person, Camp Fire officials said.