When a girl knows that classmates will make fun of her clothes, she will skip school if she can. If a high school student has uncontrolled asthma, how interested is he in making good enough grades to graduate?

Doug Pitt , the engaging and successful Springfield entrepreneur, photographer and humanitarian, learned that 50 percent (!) of Springfield Public School students had unmet needs in the areas of health, hunger, and hygiene. "I was amazed," says Doug. "I would have guessed maybe 25 percent."

In his delightful, straightforward manner, Doug figured: "We can do something about this, and the fix does not have to be complicated." He worked with the Foundation For Springfield Public Schools (Nancy Fazzio, director), Springfield businesses, and a few philanthropists to set up the Care to Learn program.

"Our goal," says Doug, "is to spot a problem and fix it now. The other day, for example, a principal notified us that a student's learning experience was badly disrupted because he had no presentable clothes to wear to school. In 20 minutes a Wal-Mart voucher for specific clothing items was being prepared for the boy's family. By the way, Wal-Mart has set up a system to reject the voucher if it is presented to pay for something else."

Sponsors and contributors include the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, Jim D. Morris, St. John's and Wal-Mart to name a few. Doug has never put his famous brother's name on anything before, whether a business ad or a humanitarian venture. So why now? "Brad is very generous but usually chooses to keep it private. But we know Brad and Angie's involvement will obviously bring attention to our cause and we both felt it would help spread the message, which means more donations, which means that many more kids are helped."

Care to Learn has been in existence about a year. Springfield Superintendent Norm Ridder, feels Care to Learn has made an impact on absenteeism. "That was never on the radar," says Doug, "but once we remove these obstacles in a child's life, it makes sense. The embarrassment is gone and they gain self-respect ... a confidence to be among their peers."

Now the program is being extended to Nixa public schools. "Why Nixa?" I asked Doug. He looked at me like the answer should be obvious. "Because they called me."

I asked Doug, "What do you say to critics who declare that you encourage these parents to depend on welfare?"

Doug's answer: "I say a defiant, so what? That is not the child's fault. We have strict criteria, so when we act it is because a child needs food or clothes or health care now. His or her learning experience is disrupted until that need is met. Our job is to meet that specific need."

To contribute, either call Nancy Fazzio (848-7925), drop off a check at Doug's business, ServiceWorld Computer Center on West Sunshine, or go to http://www.caretolearnfund.com and click on "donate."