For the children of the Mineola Youth and Family Services (MYFS) to go on a trip that will surely be one of the highlights of the summer, they must ask friends, family and supporters one simple question, "Wanna buy a duck?"

"Why a duck?" in the words of Chico Marx, well perhaps in explanation Groucho would reveal the secret word to be "funds" as the children of the MYFS will be orchestrating several events that will hopefully raise the money they need for them to take a trip to Great Adventure at the end of the summer.

The first of the events, and the most eagerly anticipated, is one sponsored by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, and is known as the Duck Derby.

The Duck Derby is a race between the finest plastic ducks money can buy and the ducks themselves will be sold by the MYFS. For every duck the children of the MYFS sell to sponsors for $5 the MYFS will receive $1 for the organization.

Along with the sense of goodwill and of course the thrill of duck racing, each sponsor has a shot at $10,000 if their duck crosses the finish line first.

And what do the children get out of it? Well along with the money for the organization and a trip to the race itself, the children learn responsibility.

"So often the kids are just given things, this they are working for," said Counselor Josephine Masullo.

In fact the children learn many such lessons in the MYFS, as they are called upon to help support their not for profit organization. Other fund raising efforts include candy sales and two car washes held across the street from the MYFS headquarters on Jericho Turnpike.

Director Suzanne K. Skaflestad explained, The children learn teamwork and the sense that we are all working together for this goal." She added,"They do a good job."

All these fund-raising efforts are hard wrought steps toward the goal of around $1,800 which will pay for a one day all expense paid trip at the end of the summer to Great Adventure for children between the ages of 12 and 16.

"Once it all comes into place, they can kick back and have fun celebrating the summer," concluded Counselor Adam Mohr.