Dear Preschool Supporter:

As you know, today's difficult economic times are taking a heavy toll on non-profit organizations across the country, with funding challenges being the norm, not the exception.

If you are an LAUP preschool teacher, do you want to have an impact on a child's life-long healthy habits? Are you self-motivated to take a leadership role in your community and implement policies and procedures that offer healthy choices for preschoolers in your care?

Editor's Note: The Honorable Lula Davis-Holmes, Councilwoman, City of Carson, has devoted more than 27 years of service to her community. Currently, she's finishing her first term on the City Council. We spoke recently to the councilwoman at LAUSD's Dolores Early Education Center. Davis-Holmes has sponsored a city resolution to support preschool in her community, and we are proud to feature her as a preschool supporter. The following is excerpts from that conversation.

Q: What kind of impact do you think preschool can have on the development of children?

As you know, a lot's been happening lately in the state capitol, with legislators debating how to best deal with a multi-billion-dollar deficit that could have a dire impact on programs and services in Los Angeles County, including LAUP.

It's hard to believe that by age five, a child's future success may already be determined due to, or lack of, exposure to reading at a young age. Yet, study after study bears this out: children who learn to read early have a much higher likelihood of succeeding in school, avoiding drugs and alcohol and attending college.

LAUP is once again partnering with the Los Angeles Dodgers to hold its third annual "LAUP Dodgers Day" event Sunday, June 26, at Dodger Stadium, where supporters of early education will enjoy an exciting game while making a difference in children's lives.

It's the kids. We do it for the kids. And that is where your donation goes: to programs, classrooms and quality education that directly benefits the kids of Los Angeles County. Your investment in the children of our community pays a lifetime of positive returns. Your donation, no matter what size, helps another child move that much closer to obtaining a high-quality preschool education, which prepares them for a successful future thanks to the proven benefits of preschool education. On behalf of all the children of LAUP, we thank you for your donation and welcome you to the LAUP family.