Here’s my opinion piece in today’s Hutch News…

Volunteer for the kids 
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 01:38:29 AM

We have returned to school, and again I’m filled with gratefulness for the service that the many teachers, administrators and support staff give to our children and students through our schools. And as we return to school, it’s a great time to give some time yourself to make our community strong. In the 1800s, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that “the greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Many of us long for our children and grandchildren to have the same (or better) opportunity that we’ve had in our great country. One way that you can help in this is by volunteering in our schools. Many organizations give you this chance. I’m happy to be among the 500 volunteers serving through YouthFriends. We serve 2,000 Reno County students annually. YouthFriends connects volunteers to do things like have lunch with a student, help with reading or academic tutoring, share an interest or a hobby or simply listen. They tailor your time to serve the needs of the students. We are all grateful for the impact our schools have on our children. Why not step out and make a difference yourself and together we can make our community a better place, one relationship at a time?

PHIL AUXIER
Hutchinson