Augusta has bright, young people who care about others. This was demonstrated when a group of students made the holiday season a little brighter for some local residents.

Butler High School's Future Business Leaders of America chose to prepare care packages for clients of the Division of Aging Services' Adult Protective Services as their community project. The 50 teens initiated this project during the 2006 holiday season under the leadership of their teacher and their advisor, Alzenia Williams and Debbie Arnold.

The teens collected items such as soap, lotions, toothbrushes, socks and gloves. They wrapped them in festive packages and delivered them to APS on Dec. 18. APS staff delivered the presents to 28 of their elderly and disabled clients in the CSRA. Many clients have little family support, and are dependent on APS services for resources to help them remain independent within their communities.

It is heartening to know that teenagers have the spirit of giving to those less fortunate. We thank these teens and their school for their generosity.

Christene Peek, Augusta

(The writer is Augusta's district manager for the state Division of Aging Services' Adult Protective Services.)