Young Lions Already Making a Difference

[The following was submitted by Healthy Cities Tutoring.]

“The Leos were looking for a worthy project and we wanted to do something for San Carlos students by San Carlos students.” Those are the words of Mike Coffaro, Advisor to the San Carlos Leos Club, a group of San Carlos 12-18 year olds learning firsthand about giving back to their community. The San Carlos Leos Club, sponsored by the San Carlos Lions Club, decided to donate the proceeds from their Hometown Days booth to Healthy Cities Tutoring.

Incoming Leo’s President Nik Grimsby, who worked all weekend at the cotton candy and snow cone booth, commented on his Club’s support of Healthy Cities Tutoring: “Working the LEOS booth was fun to begin with. It is even more fun, when you know that what you are doing is for your community.”

Leos Clubs encourage youth to develop leadership qualities by participating in community service activities. By volunteering their time and talents for the benefit of others, Leos learn the value and rewards of service. Mike goes on to state, “The theme this year for Lions Club International was literacy so it was a way for us to fit in with the International 2013 theme. Most of the Leos know students who have benefited from Healthy Cities Tutoring. It was a natural fit for us and we are glad we could make a difference.”

Healthy Cities Tutoring provides one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to students that find school a challenge with the help of community volunteers. Approximately 25% of the tutors volunteering for the organization are high school students. The program began in 1997 and is currently providing one-on-one support to 196 children at seven schools in San Carlos.

Healthy Cities Tutoring is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and donations to support its work in the community. To learn more about Healthy Cities Tutoring, visit the organization’s website at: http://www.healthycitiestutoring.org/. Students who are interested in community service and would like to learn more about the Leos can request information at: sclionmike@yahoo.com.