Tahoe City resident and local business owner Melanie Jackson took action when funds were unavailable for 250 lakeside school children to attend a program that could save their lives.

Each year the school participated in a Red Cross Water Safety Program geared to teach children skills about personal safety, how to help others in water emergencies and how to make good choices in and around water. After hearing news the Water Safety Program was to be canceled, Jackson, a resident since 1970, called director, Marijane and#8220;MJand#8221; Rees and volunteered to match funds for the program. and#8220;We have an awfully big lake out there and we are surrounded by water-related activities here in Tahoe. These children need to be reminded every year of the dangers right in our own backyard,and#8221; said Jackson.

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Traditionally the program has been funded by the Parent Teacher Organization of each of the elementary schools in our district. The Kings Beach PTO was fortunately able to cover the expenses for their 320 students, which began in the fall with a conclusion two weeks this spring. However, with budget cuts and district changes, the Tahoe City program was cut.

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and#8220;As much as the PTO wanted to continue the program, the funds are just unavailable,and#8221; said PTO President Stacey Bordes.

Jackson recently donated money to the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation earmarked for causes that provide purpose and impact in the community. The program in Tahoe City is now slated to begin this week at the Chinquapin pool and continue the following week at the Rocky Ridge pool, the teachers have signed up to participate, and the WSI staff is ready.

and#8220;One way or another you will have the funds needed to continue this program. This program is too important to our childrenand#8217;s safety to ignore,and#8221; said Jackson.

Rees was so moved by the generosity she said, and#8220;There are very few heroes in this day and age, Melanie youand#8217;re one of them! Thank you for Saving the Dayand#8221;!

Jackson, owner of the Viva Treats concession at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and Melanie Jackson Caterer is hopeful other conscientious individual will get involved to match those funds. If you have a passion for giving the gift of water safety and would like to donate to this important cause, please step up to the challenge and help and#8220;Save the Day!and#8221;

Donations to the Tahoe City Water Safety Program can be made payable to TTCF and mailed to PO Box 366, Truckee, CA, 96160 or call the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation at 587-1776.