Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is inviting individuals, businesses, civic organizations and faith communities to make a contribution to their Annual Fund and see how they turn their dollars into change.

The good news, you can see red creeping up on the thermometer (at left) toward their 2006 goal of $100,000.

The disappointing news is that over half-way through the fiscal year and they have only received $30,000 in support, roughly 30 percent.

The Annual Fund is the principal building block of the fund-raising efforts at Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau. It serves to establish a base of community partners who share their concern that youth s and families have programs and supportive resources.

A successful annual campaign ensures that YSB can continue to both maintain their excellent current services and ensure that program needs arising during the year can be addressed.

Like most non-profits, YSB has experienced serious reductions in funding previously received from grants, city, county and state sources. As a result, YSB has significantly reduced staff and maximized use of all resources.

Even with cost saving measures in place and great volunteers, they need to raise over 55 percent of their program budget through fund raising and events. Support from the community is critical.

In 2006, YSB celebrates 30 years of service to Washington and Anoka County communities served by ISD 831 and Chisago County in its entirety.

They hope you will help celebrate this benchmark occasion by accepting their invitation to see your ìdollars turn into changeî by making a contribution today.