Let's face it times are tough and some Volusia County children will not have the basics they need to have a very happy and productive school year.

Let's just forget about school for a minute and think about the lives these same poverty stricken children lead as they go without undergarments, proper nutrition and things so many people take for granted such as toothpaste, deodorant and 3 squares a day. In most cases these same children are put down, held back and ridiculed. For children, being poor is not a choice its what they were born into, life happened and the children are the ones that suffer the hardest and will continue to do so until someone steps in and helps.

According to Census Data 16% of children of Volusia County under the age of 18 lives in poverty.

When I think about the children in our county as well as across the globe who suffer from poverty and at no choice of their own. It hurts me..it makes me sad. Let's face it, every child counts regardless of race, religion and income. Some of the most prosperous contributing adults I know today come from a background of poverty. It surely doesn't have to be that way!

If you do not know much about poverty, its hard work. For the parents who work hard to try and keep food on the table and for the children who are made to feel as if they are nothing due to circumstances beyond their control! Please do what you can and extend your hand in helping others to become a productive part of society.

ADOPT A CHILD BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS proudly presents

A CHARITY SOCIAL @MARTINI'S CHOPHOUSE RESTAURANT

1815 SOUTH RIDGEWOOD AVENUE in DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Live Entertainment: STONY SIXMA ON ACOUSTICS

Considered to be one of Volusia's foremost entertainers. Stony keeps packing 'em wherever he performs.

MARTINI'S CHOPHOUSE RESTAURANT HAS AGREED TO DONATE 10%

OF SALES FROM THIS SOCIAL TO ADOPT A CHILD BACKPACK PROGRAM!

WHEN: FRIDAY JUNE 3, 2011 TIME: 5:30 P.M. UNTIL ??????

HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR THE CHILDREN * ENTER TO WIN GREAT DOOR PRIZES and 50/50 * SUGGESTED DONATION/ENTRANCE FEE OF $5.00