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The Wagon
A parent tows his child... A toddler drags her teddy bear and dolls... An older brother pulls his younger siblings... Pre-adolescent friends tumble wildly down a grassy hill... A teenager hauls his newspapers along his delivery route... in a little red wagon.
The little red wagon is synonymous with youth. The wagon shares a child's adventures and responsibilities. The wagon supports the child and, in turn, provides the child with opportunities to support others. A child learns he is loved and has the capacity to love.
It is this comfort, this stability, that America's Promise seeks to provide every child. In the early years, a child needs to understand that she is loved. As she grows, so grows her spirit. She must understand that her potential knows no bounds. And as she matures, she must learn that her service to others is as important, as fulfilling, as her own needs. She will become a responsible and integral part of her community. She will give and guide, just as she has received and followed.
We offer the little red wagon to every at-risk youth. In the beginning, we will pull you along, support you, nurture you. Soon, you will support yourself, proudly, independently. And then, you will support others.
The red wagon is a promise. And a challenge. We, your elders, we care. We will give you the tools you need. But you must use them to your fullest potential. And then, we promise, you will achieve your dreams.
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