“I got him a poker set from the drug store, and in a few days we're going out for a steak dinner.”

— Joe Pierson, computer programmer, Kansas City, Mo.

“I mailed him a card, and I'm going to give him a call. He lives about five hours away, so I won't get to see him.”

— Sara Sheldon, Kansas University junior, Lawrence

“I would like to set up a nice gig for him so he can watch his son play. My sister can help him with the sound and mom can stage dive if she wants. We are a very musical family.”

— Matt Belz, bass player, Minneapolis

“We are having a celebration at our church. They are doing a big program, and we also got him a new outfit.”

— Beza Alemu, Shawnee Mission North High School junior, Shawnee Mission