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Welcome to our
website which is dedicated to our son,
LCPL Lucas
James Williams.
The Lucas James Williams Memorial Youth Fund
(LJWMYF) is a 501© (3) organization that was founded in 1999 by Lucas’
family and dedicated to his memory. Lucas Williams was a 19 year old
Marine who was killed in Kuwait on December 22, 1998 while serving his
country. Lucas’ family founded LJWMYF to carry on his dreams and
ambitions of working with children and seniors to help children be more
responsible for their actions and to being more independent individuals
in a positive manner.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Click here for
UPCOMING EVENT!!!...
Benefit Bike Run
August 16, 2008
Through the years our son’s memorial has grown from just
a name that we wanted to still hear. Now has developed into an
organization which serves hundreds of children, adults and families.
This so far has been accomplished with in-kind. No matter where we
are or whom we meet some one has heard of our son’s memorial fund. Our
family works with ease and enjoyment putting together community programs
and activities. The people that benefit from the many programs the fund
offers appreciate it so much they volunteer. There is a feeling of
fulfillment and dedication that all the volunteers and we feel enjoy
being a part of. It makes us feel so good inside. Lucas if alive today
would say what an awesome organization. It was something he always said
he wished was here back then. So now his dreams and wishes are real for
children now. Since March 1999 we have experienced an endless feeling
of warmth and a family bond that will never die no matter what! It was
very hard a first and we thought it would fail. But you never fail
until you quit trying. There is a sense of caring that pours out to
strangers we meet. It keeps us strong we never thought it would be so
big. People from all over the world check out our website constantly
for updates. They let us know how impressed they are with what we do
with nothing. Not even a structure. Donate, ask to volunteer is next on
their lips. We know now things happen for a reason. No one should
challenge or question. The summer lunch programs seeing children
eating nutritious meals all summer long is wonderful. The fishing derby
seeing the faces of children catching their first fish, and spending the
day having quality time with their family is beautiful. Just being out
doors in a healthy environment enjoying a bonfire with music. Spending
the summer just being a kid with positive activities and choices.
Knowing families will have much needed food. Mentoring and being a
positive role model for these youth give us the knowledge and feelings
that we are really doing something good. We can feel it in our hearts.
There are so many people that need help in many different ways, and we
do our best to help them achieve their goals. Children needed something
to do out of school time and we provided a place. At the Lucas James
Williams Memorial Youth Fund.
Lucas had a duty to serve his country and he is still
serving his people today. We love you and miss you Lucas
The Williams Family
Clifford and Rosalie
Terah and Celia
LJWMYF provides safe,
fun, positive, and healthy behavioral activities that are drug and
alcohol free. Our goal is to help children respect themselves an
others. All activities are free and available to youth ages 7 to 18.
Children 6 and under with a parent.
Physical activities
available to the youth include the use of a trampoline, an above ground
pool, volleyball courts, a basketball hoop, and horseshoe pits. We also
provide tools and materials for building huts, birdhouses, etc.
LJWMYF offers summer
activities including: hunter safety and bow instruction, fishing,
workshops, wildlife and ecology management, hiking and camping, an
annual fishing derby, bonfires with activities and refreshments, and a
senior and youth organic garden project.
Some of the fall and
winter activities include: a haunted forest, sledding and ice skating
parties.
The foundation also
operates a community food shelf, in collaboration with Vermont Food Bank
in Barre, currently serving 500 clients. The distribution day is the
third Tuesday of each month.
LJWMYF offers an after
school snack program Monday-Friday and weekends from 3-5 pm. |