Fox Valley Young Marines

We are a unit of the National Youth Program called the Young Marines (YM). We are NOT a recruiting tool for the Marine Corps. We are recognized by the Corps for our strong anti-substance abuse program, and as such they allow the kids to wear certain parts of their uniforms. We are a community based 501c3 non-profit group for boys and girls from ages 8 to 18. We receive no funding from anyone, and do our own fundraising in order to take the kids to educational activities, and, of course to some fun events. Our primary source of funding involves the kids standing in front of stores in uniforms with donation buckets, which is great for normal operational funds; they have to assume some responsibility. We do have some YM's from very low- income families who we subsidize enrollment fees and costs for many activities.

However, we are planning a trip to our Nation's Capitol this summer to visit historical sites that played a significant role in the birth and history of our nation.  This project is something many of our kids will never get the opportunity to do in their lifetime. We were going to travel by Amtrak until we discovered the cost and the long travel time, so we have decided to work with a travel agency who specializes in student groups visiting DC. We'll spend 4-5 days touring such sites as the Capitol, the White House, the war memorials, the Tomb of the Unknowns where we will actually be part of a wreath laying ceremony, and many more.

Of course, I have to take them to a Friday night parade at 8th & I, that's already in the works. We currently have twenty-four kids, average age is 12.5. To fund this entire event is a monumental task; therefore, it will require much more than the kids standing in front of Wal-marts to raise funds. Working with the agent the total cots is a little over $26,000; currently these fired up, excited kids have raised just over $15,000 . Thus the reason for this GoFundMe account. We are making a difference in these children, albeit only a few, but trust me it's working. I am humbled by how they have responded and are developing into responsible, self-disciplined, academic achievers. They are like sponges; they can't seem to get enough.

Please understand any and all donations, no matter how small will help get our YM's to Washington, D.C.

Thank you , God Bless, and Semper Fi!! Jim Bathurst, Col USMC (Ret) Unit Commander

Any and all donations are welcome. Please like us on FB at 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1144488118914905/?ref=bookmarks
http://www.foxvalley-youngmarines.com/