The wonderful story of how Joan Kroc left nearly $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army makes fascinating reading. No doubt generosity of this magnitude will encourage many others to think about naming their favorite charities in their wills. The next time you hear of a bequest that has been made - whether in the newspaper or in the pages of a newsletter - consider that this could be your story of thoughtfulness. The old saying "You can't take it with you" is quite true, yet too many individuals think of extremely wealthy people as the ones most likely to name a charity as a recipient in their wills.

Several years ago newspapers throughout the country carried the story of Miss Osceola McCarty, who upon her death in September 1999, left $150,000 to University of Southern Mississippi. This was a simple woman, a "humble washerwoman who became the university's most famous benefactor". Her neighbors and friends were unaware that her hard work and savings ethic had resulted in an estate of this size.

Many people have supported YFA throughout the years. We appreciate that generosity and ask you to consider how this charitable giving can continue after your death. We would like to ask you to consider leaving a gift for Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. in your will. It is a wonderful opportunity to help support children in our community, some not even born yet, and their families.

Planned Gifts are expected to become even more of an integral part of YFA's tradition. It is an easy way to make a significant contribution that might not have been possible during your lifetime. You can support the mission of Youth and Family Alternatives by leaving a charitable donation in your Will. This type of gift, called a bequest, is very simple to arrange.

When you leave a gift to Youth and Family Alternatives (YFA) in your Will, you have full access to your money for as long as you live. Your gift goes to YFA only if you do not need it during your life.

Gifts by will can be tailored to meet your own specific personal and financial objectives. For example, you may wish to express your bequest as a percentage of your estate rather than as a specific dollar amount. Such a percentage bequest is an excellent method of protecting your beneficiaries against a possible reduction in the size of your estate.

To name Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc in your Will, please provide your attorney with our full legal name and address. If you are interested in finding an attorney you may visit http://www.wpba.net/practice/wills.htm or http://www.flabar.org/ Please also let us know about your bequest, so we can properly thank you. Naming YFA as a recipient in your will can be an eloquent expression of who you are and the values that have shaped your life. Our community as a whole will benefit in a positive way from your kindness.