To the editor:

We retired to Whidbey Island nine years ago. All along our retirement goals were to support and mentor the next generation of youth in our community. We are proud to have the opportunity to serve and support young people in our schools, as well as several local non-profits on South Whidbey. This is our passion and among the most important of our life goals. In these tough economic times, we have purposely redirected all of our energy and donations to local, nonprofit organizations serving youth.

It is very painful for us to watch wonderful organizations, like Ryan’s House, Whidbey Island Nourishes, South Whidbey Commons and Whidbey Children’s Theater, experience such extreme financial difficulties. These groups provide everything from basic needs of food and shelter to safe gathering places to workplace training to enriching experiences that build self-confidence and self-expression. Together these organizations help produce the next generation of model citizens on which this country relies for a prosperous and positive future.

Our parents’ generation lived during the Great Depression. Our generation endured the financial crisis. Our children are experiencing the Great Recession. We must ensure that the current generation of children and youth are given every opportunity to thrive and live fulfilling lives.

We call upon each and every one of you to donate generously and to do it today. We can and must support the valiant efforts of these nonprofits and their many hard-working volunteers. Without our assistance, some of them could face dramatic cutbacks in services. The possibility of shutting down completely is not out of the question, as was the case with The Hub.

We have seen economic crises come and go over time. Caring communities have always risen up to the challenge by supporting families, friends, neighbors and especially our youth.

We each need to give in amounts that stretch our capacity to do so during these tough times as an investment in our future: the children and youth of today.

Clyde and Marcia Monma

Clinton