Kids 4 change is a great local charity!The children brainstorm to come up with causes that matter to them and do all of the work themselves. It is an excellent opportunity to see how even small efforts can add up to make real change. Best of all, because most of their causes are local, the children are often able to experience first hand , how their efforts impact the lives of the people they are helping!!
As a grandmother who visits from Nebraska I have seen the good works these young children do in Kids 4 Change. The latest was their sales of snow cones and iced tea in their neighborhood. The young people thought of this themselves and manned to booth to earn money to send to Hurricane Harvey victims. Parents if these young people are committed to helping their children learn how to do community service. I donate to their worthwhile projects on line from my home in Nebraska. I am impressed with the work they do.
My kids, ages 10 and 14, recently did a project with Kids 4 Change - selling snow cones in our neighborhood to benefit the victims of Hurricane Harvey. It was a small and simple thing, but felt really good for them to do something for someone else so far away. Great job Kids 4 Change!!
My children have been a part of Kids 4 Change projects for several years.
We are very grateful to have a program in our local community that can give back to local and global communities in need. This experience has helped shaped my children's life, providing a sense of perspective of what others are going through and that they can make an impact in the world. Kids 4 Change is unique in that it allows children/teens to also take part in voting on who they would like to support. They are creative in coming up with their own ideas and implementing to neighbors and friends. We really enjoy being part of a local unique non-profit. Our most recent project supported the families in Norcal fires by donating clothes. At a time of such sadness, to be able to watch my children go through all their clothes and give back is one of the greatest lessons you can teach.
Our kids love giving! But it requires time, patience and know-how to give them the means to help others... and for them to understand the impact they can have, even as kids.
In Kids 4 Change, my kids have helped save trees from being cut down, they have sent care packages to troops, they have helped animal shelters, hurricane and fire victims, cleaned beaches, written care cards to pediatric heart patients... their impact is endless.
AND they look forward to every project. It makes them feel important and happy.
It's a great organization!
My 9 year old daughter has been participating in Kids4change for over 3 years. She is so excited every time I mention a project is coming up she immediately starts brainstorming ideas about who to help and how to help them. This past year my son entered kindergarten and had the opportunity to get involved. He couldn't wait. After hearing his sister speak of it for so long it was finally his turn. The group voted on a beach clean up with donations going to help marine animals. He was super enthusiastic on project day and did not want to stop picking up beach trash when the project was over. My daughter was so jealous of him because he got to participate this time and she has moved on to the older group so she is waiting for their next project. Both children have learned about democracy, the spirit of giving, lending and community service. I am so happy they are excited to be members. Way to go Kids4change!!
My first experience with Kids 4 Change was perfectly timed to teach my child about voting. He was 5 years old, and the format of the group allows children to vote from 3 different service project ideas and 3 organizations to give to. He was utterly confused as he wanted to vote for Barack Obama. What a great learning experience!
I love that the format of each project is kept relatively short, 3 meetings within 6 weeks, which allows the children and families to stay focused on the project and also fit it into a busy family schedule.
At the end of each project there is a wrap up ceremony which is so wonderful for the kids to actually see what they've done and congratulate each other for the effort. This almost always segues into a discussion of what can we do next time!!
My 7 year old son had a positive experience, participating in a Kids 4 Change project. First he learned what it means to have a "vote". He also learned the value of money around the world and how a small loan can help an individual build their business. It was a rewarding feeling for him to produce something of value that could be sold to benefit others. The experience was light-hearted and completed in a caring environment! Thank you for the meaningful day!
Before Mothers' Day this year my search for cards for friends and relatives was resulting in the same tired messages and graphics. Lo! Kids4Change offered hand made cards, created by children three and older, which were delightful reminders of the ingenuity and generosity of small children. I know the cards brought joy to many people, many of whom are old enough to have forgotten the pleasures of scissors and paste. Thank you, my young friends!
This local grassroots organization is one of the most creative ideas and heartfelt efforts I have come across in ages. Efforts are driven by the children, who are so proud of themselves at the end of a project you can't help but feel it, too. Their work is localized (for now), but their outreach has been very varied, from Habitat for Humanity to Little Kids Rock to a Pacifica tree-saving effort. What a wonderful thing.!