Folks with Theatre Lawrence are quick to point out that their operation is about more than entertainment.

During Wednesday night’s meeting of the Douglas County Commission, supporters of the organization pointed out a number of programs and services that go beyond shows at 1501 N.H.:

• Youth programs.

• Educational programs.

• “School’s Out, Theater’s In,” one-day theater programs for kids when school is not in session.

• Workshops, for grades 1-5 and grades 6-8

• Preschool programs.

• Acting companies.

• A self-esteem program for adolescent girls.

“We fill up every youth program that we do,” said Bob Newton, a board member and volunteer, “on stage, back stage, under the stage” for Theatre Lawrence. “We just don’t have room for all the young people who want to be a part of it.”

Commissioners agreed to give the $20,000 next year, and pledge another $20,000 a year for the following four years, to help Theatre Lawrence inch closer to reaching its $6.2 million goal. The money is intended to help the organization qualify for a $1 million “challenge” grant.

“I don’t think you could find a project where you could leverage this amount of money into as big of bang for the buck,” Newton said.

•••

The VFW Kids Day is set for this Saturday to give parents and their children a chance to protect themselves and have fun in the process.

Organizers also will be raising money for scholarship programs for students at Free State and Lawrence high schools.

The event, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 852 and the Ladies & Men’s Auxiliary VFW Post 852, is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the VFW post, 138 Ala.

Among the attractions:

• Ident-a-Kid Safety Kits provided by the Lawrence Police Department and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.

• Safety seat education provided on-site by SafeKids.

• Military vehicles.

• Inflatable slides, carnival games and prizes.

Refreshments will be available for purchase, and attendees can enter a drawing for 50 cents per entry. Proceeds go to scholarship programs for students at the two high schools.

•••

Having 11 students named as National Merit semifinalists doesn’t go unnoticed at 110 McDonald Drive, headquarters of the Lawrence school district.

As names of the semifinalists were released Wednesday for both Free State and Lawrence high schools, Superintendent Rick Doll offered words of congratulations.

“We’re pleased to congratulate these fine students for their exceptional academic performance and personal accomplishments,” Doll said in an email newsletter to employees and others. “The National Merit Scholarship Program’s recognition of these high-achieving students is further evidence that our high schools offer a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that assists students in realizing success.”