By Town Crier Staff Report

The Los Altos Tennis Club has come up with a way to help the community while playing the game its members love.

The club’s board of directors, acknowledging the slowing economy and effects of the Sept. 11 tragedy, saw the steep downturn of donations to local charities.

So in January, the club established the Tennis for Charity program for mixed pairs competition within the club. Participants in this program are playing one match per month (per team enrolled) through July.

The $50 participation fee is donated to the Community Services Agency, which helps at-risk residents of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View.

The club said the concept is devised to emphasize “fun, fitness and friendship” through tennis for the benefit of those in need.

“It’s a win-win situation for all concerned,” program director Jack Bates said.

Players have been enthusiastic about combining good tennis with meeting some real needs in our area, according to club publicist Karen Usas.

In March, the club presented its first check to CSA.

For more information, call Usas at 964-9948.