YouthNoise | Making NOISE: Care Packages that Prove Kids Matter

Care Packages that Prove Kids Matter



		Who? NOISEmaker gymnastgirl, a.k.a. Jessica, 16 Where? Fort Collins, Colorado What? Used money she earned from babysitting and dog walking (along with a few bucks from her parents) to start the Kids Matter Project, a non-profit that gives goody bags to homeless and foster children.

What exactly inspired you to help homeless kids and kids in foster care?
Volunteering has always been an important part of my family. The first organization I worked with was Crossroads Safehouse, a shelter for battered women. I wanted to help the kids (because I was a kid myself), and I knew that the kids who are forced to go to Crossroads often have no time to pack their things. I started the Kids Matter Project in August of 2000, when I was 13-years-old.

How did you get supplies and find organizations willing to distribute your packages?
I typed up a letter, which I sent out to different businesses and friends explaining about the Kids Matter Project and asking for donations. In the beginning, I called Crossroads, described the bags, and asked if they needed anything of that sort. The woman I talked to loved the idea, and my project took off. Over the years, I have called other organizations to see if they were interested.

I have never had an organization say they didn't want any Kids Matter Bags. A lot of the non-profits are hurting due to budget cutbacks in our state, so they welcome any donation they receive.

So what are some of the goodies in the bags?
We make age appropriate bags for all ages -- infants up to teens. Depending on age; a bag may include soap, shampoo, lotion, a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrushes, deodorant, hair clips, Chapstick, games, coloring books with crayons, journals, action figures, Barbie dolls, cars, books, stuffed animals, notebooks, and other miscellaneous items like Play-Doh or inflatable beach balls.

	Some NOISEmakers want to help kids for a living. Imani1201 says, "i want to be a cancer doctor or pediatric oncologist...until i graduate i volenteer at the local hospital and sometimes vistit kids that are older than me." Have you thought about jobs for the future?

About how much does each care package cost? And where do you get the money?
About $25. I have made and distributed 499 bags, worth about $12,000. When I first started out, I used money I earned from babysitting and dog walking. My parents also donated money. Friends and neighbors gave me things for every bag. Currently, the money I use to purchase items for the bags comes from the grants I have received and from individuals and businesses that have donated supplies for the bags.

What are your future plans for the Kids Matter Project?
I recently started the Kids Matter Committee, which is comprised of a group of kids ranging in age from sixth grade, up to seniors in high school. The committee does all the work for KMP -- we go shopping, make and deliver bags, and fundraise.

Do you have any advice for teens who want to start a non-profit organization?
Don't get hung up on the details; there are a lot of awesome people who would love to help you start your own non-profit organization. If you feel strongly about a cause, don't hesitate to get involved; one person CAN make a difference in their community.

To be able to comment on what is going on in the world, your community -- in any situation -- you have to be able to get out there and get involved in what you feel passionate about.



		• Help Jessica help more homeless kids with Just 1 Click. • How much do you care about homeless teens? Quiz and win. • Learn more about The Issue: Homeless Teens • 300,000 homeless youth in the U.S.? Get more factoids.