Today an inner city youth group held a car wash- but it wasn't just any car wash - every donation made went towards saving a child's life.
                Drugs, gangs and violence are all troubles some children face on a daily basis- and children that grow up in these environments often continue a vicious cycle - when they become adults.
        But one group called Independent Youth is hoping to break that cycle one child at a time.
This car wash is about more than cleaning cars- it is about saving lives.
Richard Chatmon says, “There are a lot of terrible things like robberies and stuff like that really it helps us - it helps the kids from being that way.”   
These children are all part of Independent Youth... A non profit organization in South Nashville that helps to keep kids away from the drugs and gangs in their neighborhood by giving them positive guidance.
        Monies raise from this car wash will go towards creating a safe haven and encouragement center.            
Naquida McClenon says, “We are trying to get us a building so we can all meet and they can have some where to come and read or go after school that is what this donation is for.”
But the program also pulls them away from their TV's, computers and video games-- getting them active- even if it is just washing cars.
Chatmon says, “If I can fund this program to be at it's best ability to actually help the children and like help everybody- that is worth my Saturday.”
Independent Youth has been in the works for a little over three years - this is the first year the vision has come to life.
        And with the vision in action - kids to see participation can help them achieve their greatest dreams....
Chatmon says, “Most children I hear about they either don't graduate high school or graduate high school and don't do anything else if we can actually get this program funded to where we need it to be we can help them come straight out of high school and go straight into college full ride - no problem.”
And secure their place in a successful future.
McClenon says, “Motivates them to be positive to be teachers and whatever they want to be.”
        Today's car wash raised almost 300 dollars-
         The group says they plan to do more events like this not only to raise money but to get more children involved.
Car Wash Benefits Youth Group