Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 28, 1995 TAG: 9509290042
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The association thrives on grants, fund-raisers, donations and the voluntary efforts of athletes such as Los Angeles Lakers forward George Lynch, who participated in ICAA activities while growing up in Roanoke.
Wednesday, the association announced a drive to raise not only financial but human support. The association has set a goal of raising $32,000, all but $10,000 of its annual budget. It also is encouraging donations of time.
The drive has been jump-started with $5,700 in donations from Total Action Against Poverty and five businesses - Cox Cable, General Electric, First Union National Bank, Central Fidelity Bank and Signet Bank. Twelve G.E. engineers have offered their tutoring and mentoring services.
"This program is very effective in deterring kids from getting involved in negative things," said Martin Jeffrey, TAP's director of community development and outreach.
"One of the things we need to do is increase our support of programs that have proven effective in helping kids in the inner city, proven effective in distracting them from the negatives and focusing them in more constructive directions."
The association serves more than 300 youths each year. It has worked to curb teen pregnancy, violence, dropping out of school and drug abuse through its football, basketball, track, baseball, soccer and tennis programs. Participation requires a C grade average or better.
"This is about more than sports," Jeffrey said. "Sports is a way to get kids' attention and their involvement and commitment. Another important part we want to focus on is academics, strengthening the academic capability of children in the inner city, particularly the kids involved in this program."
If you want to tutor or make a contribution, call (540) 985-0806 or write to: ICAA, P.O. Box 13362, Roanoke, VA 24033.
by CNB