[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        GIFT OF TIME FOUNDATION

 Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
efforts of an outstanding organization which has dedicated itself to 
aid in the development of our Nation's children. The Gift of Time 
Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing community 
service, academic, and physical fitness programs for children between 
the ages of four and eighteen.
  The mission of the Gift of Time Foundation is: ``To provide children 
with resources, opportunities and assistance that help them develop 
high self-esteem, self confidence, socially acceptable value systems, 
diverse cultural appreciation and family values by providing them with 
structured environments for membership in mandatory participation in 
physical fitness, academics, and community service programs. To provide 
children with personal character development assistance for self 
expression through structured positive activities alternatives.''
  The Gift of Time Foundation was spearheaded by E. Douglas McFarlin. 
His vision was to build a youth complex in St. Louis that would provide 
children with the proper direction to meet the challenges of our modern 
society. Mr. McFarlin has worked closely with business, community, and 
civic leaders to launch this important project. He is hoping that the 
St. Louis complex will be the first of many across the country.
  Mr. President, organizations such as the Gift of Time Foundation can 
help a community in building character and values in its children. The 
efforts of Mr. McFarlin and his organization are to be commended for 
taking this challenge head on. I ask that you join me in recognizing 
this fine organization and wishing Mr. McFarlin the very best on his 
endeavors to bring this program to the children of our nation.

                          ____________________