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The award was presented to Linda by Emmanuel Tormes, Special Assistant to the Governor and Mayor John Christian, City of Leesburg.

Watts Lights up Florida

BENJAMIN ROODE Staff Writer – The Daily Commercial LEESBURG -- July 29, 2008

 Linda Watts, founder of Florida's Hometown U.S.A. Program was named a Governor's Point of Light this week for her volunteer work in the community and statewide. Watts, a retired kindergarten teacher founded Florida's Hometown U.S.A. in 1986.
 The program soon expanded across the state, with hundreds of students working through the program since its inception. She fields many requests each day from statewide volunteers for work or opportunities through the program. It is a way to introduce students to volunteerism and help bring a bit of joy to retirees and nursing home residents. It is also a way to educate students of the importance of community involvement, she said.
 "Linda is helping to shape Florida's future by investing in our most precious resource -- our children" Governor Crist said in the press release. "Her enthusiasm and hard work have helped many students reach their full potential."

CITY COMMISSION MEETING
COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008 5:30 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION by PASTOR GEORGE MULFORD, GRACE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

2. PRESENTATIONS
Governor's Point of Light for outstanding volunteerism to Linda Watts to be presented by Emmanuel Tormes, Special Assistant to Governor Christ, and Mayor John Christian.

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Stephanie at her TV interview.      &nbs p;Denise Douglas, TV 47 reporter.

Youth Volunteers Visit Jacksonville

A group of young volunteers that travels around the state makes a stop here in Jacksonville today. Florida's Hometown USA is made up of kids, ages 4 to 19. They visit hospitals, nursing homes and youth homes around Florida. The group is hoping to put smiles on faces at Wolfson Children's Hospital, the Pace Center and Taylor Home for the Elderly and three other facilities

Young Volunteers Travel Around State

Florida's Hometown USA is made up of students from around the state. They travel in small groups to hospitals, nursing homes, youth homes and other places to volunteer. They carry donations and spend time with those who need it. The kids range in age from 4 to 19. Some of them made a stop in Jacksonville hoping to put smiles on the faces of people at Wolfson Children's Hospital, The Pace Center and Taylor Home for the Elderly. The group is always looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can call (352) 326-4217 for more information.

Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc. was selected to receive a 2008 Disney’s Helping Kids Shine grant.

Florida’s Hometown USA Program. Inc. (founded in 1986) is a non-profit educational youth organization that reaches beyond the borders of its own hometown of Leesburg, FL to nurture and inspire a volunteer spirit within youth across Florida. Twenty two years ago, a local educator had a vision and developed a grassroots, community youth program that focused on linking youth with volunteer activities. Today that vision has grown into a broad model that continues to make a difference in the lives of children and youth of Florida, primarily through a professionally supported volunteer program aimed at assisting students to achieve their highest potential.

The focus of their volunteer work is with children, youth and the elderly offering support to the needy and to those who have been abused or neglected.

The ""Disney's Helping Kids Shine" grants focused on groups in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Polk counties that build better futures for children. The grants were awarded on May 23, 2008 at a ceremony at the Osceola County School for the Performing Arts.

"As a company with more than 62,000 cast members, we are always looking for new ways to invest in our community so that Central Florida becomes an even better place to live, work and play," said Eugene Campbell, vice president of community relations and minority business development for Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World awarded 0,000 in grants to 44 Central Florida non-profit groups. Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants is the premier charitable giving program for Walt Disney World Co. and provides funding for organizations that focus on four specific ways of helping children: connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development, and compassion.

July 24, 2002

Hometown Heroes is a program designed to honor the unrecognized citizens who enrich communities across Central Florida with their dedication to volunteer service.

This program recognizes Florida citizens who have distinguished themselves in volunteer humanitarian service, service over a long period of time, service to the disadvantaged and underprivileged, to children and/or the elderly, the sick and needy, service requiring an unusual amount of time and/or effort and service that directly or indirectly benefits the whole community.