Kids Making a Difference
We’ve heard Oprah say it before: you’re never too young to change the world. And young members of the Angel Network community are proving this to be true.
Below, check out the stories of young people who are making a difference in their communities, by raising awareness and raising money for the causes they care about.
Do you know a young person who’s doing great things? Tell us their story.
Zach leads a group of supporters on a walk.
Photo courtesy of memberZach Walks to Help Homeless Youth
In 2007, Zach from Florida had an idea. He says, “I wanted to do something huge that would bring a lot of awareness to the 1.3 million homeless kids living in this country. I decided to walk from my hometown in Florida 280 miles to the capitol of Florida (Tallahassee).” Zach has continued to walk to raise awareness, and has also managed to raise tens of thousands of dollars along the way.
Mitchell Brings Soccer to the World
Youngsters in Haiti try out their new soccer equipment.
Photo courtesy of memberMitchell, a 16-year-old from Wisconsin, is hands-on in his efforts to bring soccer to other young people around the world. He started Peace Is The Goal in October 2006, a goodwill initiative that, in his words, “aims to make the world a better place to live in by spreading the message of peace and giving through the world’s game, soccer.” From brokering deals with local sporting goods distributors to packing and shipping the equipment, Mitchell does it all.
Maya Makes Toys for Charity
Maya shows off some of the toys she made.
Photo courtesy of memberAfter visiting India with her family and seeing children begging in the streets, 6-year-old Maya was inspired to do something to help. As her mom recalls, “She was really surprised to see little kids in such poor conditions. We talked to her about it and the images really stayed in her mind and she wanted to do something to help." The idea Maya came up with was to make toys and sell them to her family and friends. Then, she’d give the money she made to charity.
Tyler Inspired to Stop Child Trafficking
Ten-year-old Tyler watched an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that changed his life. The show was about child trafficking in Ghana. He was shocked by the stories of children being sold by their own parents, and he knew he had to do something. He started “small” by trying to raise enough money ($240) to save the life of one child for a year. But soon, Tyler’s efforts grew into a fundraising bonanza.
Carson Cooks for a Cause
Carson and other youngsters are taking it to the kitchen to help stop hunger.
Photo courtesy of memberFive-year-old Carson (pictured in the chef’s hat at left) loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen. He set out to create a cookbook that featured recipes by kids, for kids. From his ambitious idea evolved an ambitious group: the Kids Feeding Kids Club, which is a nonprofit made up of young people who are dedicated to feeding hungry youth through fundraising, volunteering and other charitable activities.
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