Here and elsewhere, we seem to rag on the kids. Most of them are really great kids and do not =deserve the trash thrown at them. Give them a chance to help and show what they can do and maybe they will help seniors clear their snow and do errands for them. I am proud of my kids and most of our neighbors kids too.

Right you are...kids are terrific if you give them some guidance and a chance

True- If you give them a hand, they will help you up when you need it and others too. Yes, there are some bad apples in the youth world, but so too in the adult world, so do we scorn all adults and avoid them?

We reach out and the youthful response will probably shed some bright light if you give them a break.

There's an excellent piece in the NY Times on the role of volunteer service in the economic stimulus package before Congress.  Good for youth as well as adults to help volunteer to make a difference for yourself and others too. 
Go to:

 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/opinion/23reed.html_r=2&ref=opinion
Consider joining the Serve Rhode Island Volunteer Corps (Serve Corps).  We need your help!  Just sign up for two hours or more hours per month of volunteer service and you're in.  Go to: www.serverhodeisland.org or 

www.vcri.org.