Offers gratitude

During this past July, Oak Park (as well as neighboring communities of Agoura, Calabasas, Camarillo, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi and Ventura) was host to over 190 foreign students from 12 different European and South American countries through EF Educational Homestay Programs.

Not only did local families open their hearts and homes to these wonderful teens, [but] many of our local businesses contributed products, services and gift certificates to help support the program.

My thanks goes out to the following businesses and people for their kindness and generosity shown to my group: Judy Lara at Costco, Garrett and Tonya Smith with "Kids Who Care," the "Bagel Queen" Jillian Geurber in cooperation with Western Bagel of Westlake and Magic Mountain Customer Relations.

I would also like to thank all the neighborhoods that donated to "Kids Who Care" when my students came collecting as part of their community service project. It made the students feel good to help others in need.

But most of all, a special thanks goes out to my 24 volunteer host families in Oak Park, Westlake and Agoura that were so kind and generous to share their time, love and laughter with these international teens. Without you, this program would not be possible.

Thank you so very much for all your unselfish sacrifices and helping to spread smiles around the world. I hope the friendships you made will last a lifetime.

Jill Guerber

EF EHP Program Coordinator

Oak Park