A lot of kids these days are doing some sort of extra-curricular activity, whether it be music lessons, swim lessons, pee-wee football or hockey, it’s healthy and fun and valuable to their growth. I mean that’s at least how I look at it. I participated in lots of activities when I was a kid and I hope my kids have the desire to do the same, and enjoy it.

But how can they with the current state of the economy? I see it happening all around me; budget are cut, volunteers are harder and harder to find and even worse, the space required to host these various activities can no longer do it. It’s a sad truth to admit but unfortunately extra-curricular activities are the first to suffer.

But wait, there is something positive to look forward to. Clorox Clean-Up, the only all purpose cleaner powered by Clorox Bleach will be teaming up with The Clorox Clean-Up team and will award five grants of $10,000 each to applicable kids programs in the hopes of enriching kids’ lives across the country. Does that sound like something you are interested in? If so all you have to do is nominate programs for a chance to win a Power A Bright Future grant by submitting a photo and a short essay about the project for consideration. You have until November 29, 2009 and you can do so at the Clorox Clean-up Facebook page.

A panel of influential children’s advocates will select finalists based on impact of the program on kids, the quality of the entry sent in, and most promise for the grant to help the program grow. Then, the public will have the chance to vote on Facebook between December 7th and January 17th, 2010. If you vote? You will receive a Clorox Clean-Up coupon as a thank-you.

Become a fan today and participate. You’ll be helping out our youth in the process.