I would like to thank Michelle Thomas (BDN letter, Feb. 16-17) for speaking out on behalf of children and teen-agers. It’s true there are young people throughout Maine (and everywhere) who are willing to lend a hand, but the opportunity to is denied them.

Many times I’ve found myself in a position where I’ve offered to work and been told it was unnecessary. It becomes discouraging when you offer your services to so many and they turn you away.

The desire to work, be productive, and in the chance we don’t already possess the skills, learn, lies within the youth of today. How will we ever learn to make it on our own when no one will allow us the chance to begin at a young age?

Jade L. Brown

Monson