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Every once in a while, an opportunity comes along that is too good to pass up. Many of you know my heart is with my non-profit, Kids to Love, and with the foster children we serve. It has been my passion since its start in 2004. I now have a chance to live my passion full-time and that is why I am stepping away from a job and a career that I have loved – bringing you the news on WHNT News 19.

You may have seen the news earlier this month that Kids to Love has launched the Kids to Love Center, which will give us new ways to impact the lives of foster children. We will not only take care of their needs as we have for the past 11 years, we will give them hope for a future when they are old enough to be on their own. We will offer a tech program to train them in skilled labor, computer and life skills classes. We will also increase our efforts to recruit and train foster and adoptive parents. The future at Kids to Love is bright and big, and I am excited to devote myself entirely to it.

As many of you know, this is more than just a passion, it’s my calling. As a former foster child, I know the difference a forever family can make in a child’s life. No matter their age or what led to them being pulled into foster care, every child deserves a family. Speaking of family, this move will allow me a chance to spend more time with mine. Our girls are now 7 and 10. They are growing up too fast and I need to be there for them too.

Kids to Love would not be where we are today if not for you, our generous community. You have watched the stories of foster children waiting for homes. You have purchased school supplies, donated Christmas gifts and answered many other calls to action. I am so thankful for the difference you have made in my life and in the life of thousands of foster children.

I am excited to share with you that WHNT News 19 will continue to partner with Kids to Love as we grow. You will still see the Kids to Love segment and meet amazing kids who need a Forever Family. WHNT News 19 will remain a strong media partner as we collect items for Back to School and Christmas. So while I won’t be here every day, I’ll still have a chance to work with the best news team in the business, as they help me answer my call to be a voice for children in foster care.

To learn more and get involved www.kidstolove.org.

LEE MARSHALL’S LAST DAY WITH WHNT NEWS 19 WILL BE FRIDAY, MARCH 27.

Please help us wish Lee well by going to our Facebook page and leaving your comments and congratulations.