LAKEPORT – A program that helps children in need at the holidays is seeking the community's support.

For eleven years now, students at Clear Lake High School and around the community have helped with an excellent program titled Christmas 4 Kids (C4K).

Teachers in the Lakeport Unified School District discreetly identify children in their classrooms who appear to be from either low-income families, are foster kids or just don't appear to dress for the season.

These kids are then anonymously adopted by caring high school students and community members from clubs like the Lakeport Rotary Club and Kiwanis who purchase things that they both need and want. The wrapped gifts are then distributed by the student organizers of the program, along with the help from some adult advocates.

Each year, C4K helps tons of kids get at least one brightly wrapped present on Christmas. This could never be done, however, without the gracious help of Lakeport and even Lake County businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Here is where you come in. If you would like to directly sponsor a child, you will receive a card that contains information about your child including size information, needs and wants. Your gift is due back to Clear Lake High School by Dec. 10 before 4 p.m. (when the office closes).

They would prefer the gift to be wrapped but if you either are not blessed with that ability or simply do not have the time, their expert wrappers will work their magic on your gift.

If you would prefer to donate financially, the group can always use the money to help fund wrapping supplies, cards and large-ticket items that some kids want or need (you'd be surprised).

Helping the cause and getting into the Christmas spirit of giving are easy. Just contact Bob Mayer or Chris Buehnerkemper at Clear Lake High School (707-262-3010) and let them know that you would like to help either financially or by sponsoring a child directly.

This year, senior Chris Buehnerkemper and Sophomore Eric Hagberg have run in at full speed to get the program off to a great start. Chris will be making the program into his senior project to expand and allow other schools in the area and beyond to pick up Christmas 4 Kids and carry on the tradition.

They would like to thank the citizens of Lakeport and Lake County for their continued support of the program. Without you, it simply would not work.

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