W.G. Coleman Elementary School in Marshall, Virginia continues its Lunch Buddy Program in the hopes of yet another successful year. Organizers are actively recruiting volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year as the time draws near for the Lunch Buddy program to enter into full swing for both the students and the volunteers involved. Working in coordination with the school's guidance counselor, Barbara Overby, Lunch Buddies visit the school once a week to eat lunch with a child involved in the program. Serving as a role model, mentor, and friend, a Lunch Buddy can make a huge difference in the life of a child just by sitting down with them for a twenty-five minute lunch shift once a week.

Many of the students just need someone to pay attention to them, make them feel special, listen to them talk. The children aren't the only ones who leave the lunch table smiling, either. More often than not the adult volunteers gain just as much from the experience as the students. Taking the time to eat lunch with a child can be a refreshing break in the work day for those of us who don't get recess. The experience can be incredibly rewarding and who knows, you might even pick up a knock-knock joke or two in the process.

For those who might be interested in volunteering to be a Lunch Buddy at W.G. Coleman Elementary, please call (540) 364-9023, your interest is greatly appreciated.

Why eat lunch alone when, in twenty-five minutes you could:
1. Make a difference in today's children and tomorrow's future while on your lunch break.
2. Become a hero in a young child's life.
3. Be an elementary-school celebrity!
4. Break up the monotony of the work day by spending time with a child.
5. Enjoy great company and a hot lunch. Where else can you get a piece of pizza with so many added extras?