[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING BRITTANY HEATH OF THE 19TH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today, I congratulate a young lady from the 
19th District of Texas who has earned national recognition for her 
outstanding volunteer service. Miss Brittany Heath, a 13-year-old 
student from Lubbock, has been named one of Texas' top two youth 
volunteers for the year 2000 in The Prudential Spirit of Community 
Awards program, a national initiative honoring young people for 
exemplary acts of service.
  Brittany, an eighth grade student at Evans Junior High School, 
initiated a chapter of ``Suitcase for Kids'' which collects, cleans, 
and distributes used suitcases to children in foster care. During her 
program's first year, more than 400 suitcases were given to children 
within the community. The Lubbock Children's Protective Services 
program and the Community Partnership Program Sponsored Brittany by 
providing a storage facility for donations. Brittany set up a voice 
mailbox for donor calls, designed business cards, composed a brochure, 
and contacted the local newspaper. During the first two days of 
operation, more than 100 messages were received from individuals 
offering donations and assistance. Community support has been 
overwhelming, and Brittany plans to expand ``Suitcases for Kids'' to 
other counties around Luddock. She says as long as children are in 
foster care, there will be a need for this program.
  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created by The 
Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the 
National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to 
encourage youth volunteers and emphasize the importance and value of 
their contributions. Brittany was nominated by Evans Junior High School 
and selected from more than 20,000 high school and middle school 
students. She has received $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an 
all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. This program is the nation's 
largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service.
  At a time when our nation has seen a lack of community involvement 
from our youth and violence in our schools, it is good to be reminded 
that many young people are actively contributing to our society and 
working to make a difference where they live. We can learn a great deal 
from Brittany's exceptional act of volunteerism. We should all reflect 
upon how we, as individuals, can work together in our own communities 
to improve the lives of others and establish a brighter tomorrow.

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