TEAMS COMPETE TO HELP LOCAL YMCA MEET FUNDRAISING GOAL.Byline: Daily News SANTA CLARITA Santa Clarita, city (1990 pop. 110,642), Los Angeles co., S Calif., suburb 30 mi (48 km) NW of downtown Los Angeles, on the Santa Clara River; inc. 1987. Situated in the Santa Clara valley and nearby canyons, Santa Clarita includes the former towns of Canyon Country, - Stephen Tako got some help from the Santa Clarita Valley The Santa Clarita Valley is the valley of the Santa Clara River in Southern California. It stretches through Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Its main population center is the city of Santa Clarita. The valley was part of the 48,612-acre (19,672. YMCA YMCA in full Young Men's Christian Association Nonsectarian, nonpolitical Christian lay movement that aims to develop high standards of Christian character among its members. when he needed it, and now he's ready to give back. Tako is greasing the wheel of the local YMCA's annual Community Support Campaign with a $500 donation and hoping to inspire others to contribute. The organization's goal this year is $75,000 and Tako and a small group of friends from his son's Y-Guides tribe, the Miwoks, have a friendly competition going to help raise the money. They will face about 35 other teams participating in the drive. Tako will tell his story Thursday at the kickoff banquet for the drive - the event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Activities Center. Four years ago, Tako sought help from the Y. He wanted to join a program that would benefit his young son, who had some special needs, but couldn't afford the fees. ``When I found out what the costs were, I thought there would be no way we could join,'' he said. ``My son was born with some special needs, and taking care of him had pretty much strapped strapped adj. Informal In financial need: We are strapped for cash right now. strapped Adjective strapped for Slang us financially.'' He learned, however, that the YMCA has funds set aside to help families like his and that the Takos qualified for assistance. Now the family's in better financial shape and he wants to give back. ``It was so exciting. My son and I had never gone camping before,'' Tako said. ``We home-school home·school or home-school v. home·schooled, home·school·ing, home·schools v.tr. To instruct (a pupil, for example) in an educational program outside of established schools, especially in the home. him, so his social outlets are a bit limited. The YMCA provided a great opportunity to introduce our son to a lot of nice kids. And it's therapy for me, as well.'' Tako has also received support from other fathers. ``It's been so amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. to talk to them and realize that, despite my son's special needs, many of the things he does are typical of other boys his age,'' he said. His son is 9 1/2 now, and thriving. ``To look at him, you would have no idea that he's had any difficulties,'' he said. ``From when he started with the YMCA to where he is right now, I see a world of difference. I truly think our experience with the Y has enabled him to live a much happier childhood.'' For information on the fundraising
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