To the editor:

Please join us in sending this shout out to the members of South Whidbey High School’s cheerleading team for their invaluable contributions to this season’s holiday celebration for foster and relative families in Island County.

The event attracted over well over 120 kiddos and family members who shared an afternoon of good fun, good food and great company. Not only did the cheerleading team bring gifts and goodies for the kiddos, they also shared their hearts — helping children skate, assisting them with crafts, leading them in cheers and just plain having fun.

On behalf of the Kids First team, we offer our heartfelt thanks to team members Lisa, Jessica, Brittany, Rhylie, Molly, Hanna, Kalie, Chantelle, Brianna, Amanda, Stephanie and Nicole as well as to all our fellow South Whidbey community members who keep stepping up for kids.

It is by grace of your compassionate response and support that we enter this New Year with renewed confidence in our commitment to building partnerships that link children in foster care with opportunities in Island County.

PATTI CARROLL

For the Kids First Team

CHRISTINA URTASUN, DOLORES FRESH, TAMMY JOHNSON, VICKIE GRAYSON AND WALT HENDRICKS