PALESTINE — Palestine couple Millard and Laverne Donnell believe strongly that the best way to keep the youth of today off the streets and out of trouble is to get actively involved in their lives — to be their mentors.

And for the last 20 years, they have done just that — helping found the New Addition Youth Travel Club (NAYTC) for children in their neighborhood and in general serving as mentors to local youth.

The NAYTC was started around 1985 by the Donnells and another family member. It resulted from Laverne’s memories of family summer vacations and seeing the many children in their neighborhood that didn’t have that opportunity.

“We wanted those kids to be able to go back to school in the fall and say that they did go somewhere for their summer vacation,” she said. “My family always took trips in the summer, so my brother, who worked for the railroad, chartered a bus to go to Six Flags.”

Almost 70 youth participated in that first trip to Six Flags. Other trips have followed about every two years including a weekend trip to San Antonio and a weeklong trip to Orlando, Fla. to visit Disney World.

“There were about 70 kids on that Florida trip also. We filled up the bus and had several cars,” Millard said. “And the bus drivers themselves have been great, taking us on side trips along the way.

“I think even they understand the importance of what we are doing.”

Several other local adults, including Jerry Lockett and James Mims, also have gotten involved in the program, the Donnells said. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in events as well.

“A lot of the kids that were in the program 20 years ago have children of their own who participate,” Millard said. “The community also is supportive of what we are doing. They are always excited to see that bus pull up to take the kids on the next trip.”

The Donnells explained that the trips are always done by the book. Permission slips are obtained for each child, and no matter what the event, an effort is always made to meet the parents.

“We want the parents to know who we are and where their children are,” Millard said. “We don‚t want any child left out for any reason, if we can help it.”

To fund the trips, the Donnells and the children hold community fundraisers at the city’s Larry Street Park.

“We set it up like a big carnival, with hot dogs and popcorn, inflatables and games,” she said. “We encourage families and neighbors to come and have a good time.”

In addition to the trips, the Donnells also host neighborhood events, such as their upcoming Halloween party at 3 p.m. Saturday and backyard cookouts.

“We are always planning something for them to do,” they said. “Something that will keep them busy and out of trouble.”

Millard Donnell was honored in 2001 by the kids in the neighborhood with a plaque of appreciation for teaching them about music and playing it for them in the park.

“I would go out and get a permit to be in the park,” he said. “And on Sunday nights, I would play music for them while they played basketball or just enjoy themselves.”

Laverne said they pretty much have an open door policy, with many of the neighborhood kids spending time at their home or calling to discuss problems.

“Both Millard and I have been advisors to some of the kids, and we have taken in a few of our own family members who were in danger of taking the wrong path,” she said.

“Our main purpose in doing all this is to keep these kids on the right path,” Millard said. “All we need to do that is to be there for them, to encourage them and guide them in the right direction.”

Both Millard and Laverne Donnell were born and raised in Palestine, growing up down the street from each other without the other’s knowledge. They have been married 18 years and will celebrate their 19th anniversary in December.

Millard Donnell served for 22 years in the U.S. Army, doing three tours in Vietnam and earning two Purple Hearts. He recently retired from a 20-year career with Continental Airlines in Houston, where he was a maintenance technician.

Laverne Donnell worked for Murray’s for 15 years and for TDCJ for six years before becoming a stay-at-home wife and mom several years ago. In her free time, she enjoys organizing family reunions and events and doing research for visuals display for those events.

The couple has four children, including two grown daughters, one grown son and another son who attends Palestine High School.

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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com