non-disabled children in classes Primary 3 through Primary 7 to learn to interact together, urgently needs more volunteer puppeteers to keep the project alive.

Sponsored by the Junior Service League, the puppeteers bring the Kids to life while standing (hiding) behind them as the script unfolds.

Each puppet is about the size of a three-year-old, and has whatever "ailment'' the story line chooses to highlight, such as diabetes, leukemia, or cerebral palsy.

This year, Scott Whittaker (one of the "Kids,'' as the puppets are called) tells about his asthma and how it has affected his family.

Kids on the Block began in the US 1977, and was created by Barbara Aiello, a special education teacher. The Kids programme now operates in 49 US states and 17 countries, which means there are an estimated 10,000-plus puppets in schools and communities worldwide.

Locally, volunteers attend ten rehearsals from October to January. Each rehearsal takes place from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Tuesdays and, if necessary, mothers can bring their children with them because the Junior Service League provides babysitters.

Co-chairpersons of the project, Mrs. Darlene MacMahon (tel. 236-0972) and Mrs.

Glender Phillips (tel. 293-2369), say they are prepared to be flexible if volunteers find Tuesdays are inconvenient, or if evenings are preferred.

Actual performances take place from January to May on a rotation basis, with each volunteer performing approximately twice a month. "Kids on the Block is a lot of fun, very rewarding, and a true service to our community,'' the women said.

Prospective volunteers should contact Mrs. MacMahon or Mrs. Phillips as soon as possible.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED -- Kids on the Block puppeteers Mrs. Darlene MacMahon (left) and Mrs. Glender Phillips pose with the stars of their show, Jason and Scott.

Designed to promote better interaction between healthy children and those with disabilities, the project needs more volunteers to keep it going.