KIDS ARE HEROES

Just when I think my fellow Americans can sink no lower and I despair for what my grandchildren will have to endure in this country, I stumble across something that helps restore my faith in the next generation being not only capable but eager to make their world a better place.

I’d like you to meet MaryMargaret who, with a little help from her Dad, created this website, Kids Are Heroes, in order to showcase kids with a mission. Here, in part, is what MaryMargaret has to say:
“Hey there! My name is MaryMargaret and I am 10 years old. Welcome to my web site!! I created this site (with some help from my dad) because we thought that this will help people to help others and cute animals too!! We get to meet all kinds of great kids that are doing wonderful things and inspiring more kids to get involved.

MaryMargaret has been involved in helping animals, running a lemonade stand for a kids cancer camp, had a sleepover and collected pjs and slippers for a local charity and has been involved in getting cell phones for soldiers. Now, keep in mind, MaryMargaret is 10 years old!

Kayleigh Crimmins spent some time watching K-9 training with her policeman father. While there she learned that not all the dogs had ballistic vests because they were so expensive. So this feisty little hero set out to earn money so all the police dogs could have vests. She was 6 years old. To date, she has bought four vests and 1 heat alarm/door popper for the K-9 unit by selling her toys, collecting donations, selling t-shirts and gathering aluminum cans. Think maybe we’ll be voting for her for president someday?

Cati has bravely taken on a serious situation teens all too often the victims of; cyber bullying. After being a victim of cyber bullying herself and then the tragic death of Megan Meier, Cati started a website to help teens and parents battle this deadly social disease. Cati has also started a club at her school open to any student that takes a pledge not to cyber bully. With 60 members, her’s is the largest club in the school.

James Brooks' passion is to help endangered apes and empower children to make a difference. Since he was 8 years old (2004), James has been raising funds by asking for donations in lieu of gifts for holidays and dozens of other activities and has donated $1000's of dollars to ape conservation. He wrote and maintains "apeaware.org" to “inform people about apes and help save apes” and in fall 2008 launched a project to help give impoverished African widows an income, feed malnourished children, protect endangered gorillas, and save valuable rain forest while teaching, inspiring, and motivating thousands of children.

Nine year old Tyler Page watched an episode of Oprah with his mother about children who were being sold by their parents into slavery for as little as $20. Once sold these children were forced to fish 14 hours a day with only one meal a day. When he found out that $240 would keep one child out of slavery for a year, Tyler asked his mother if he could have a fund raiser. He and his friends held a car wash and raised $1200! Since then Tyler has continued to hold fundraisers and started a non-profit organization called Kids Helping Kids Leadership Academy, Inc. He set a $50,000 goal which he surpassed in just 17 months.

These are only a few of the stories found at Kids Are Heroes and you should click on over there and read some for yourself. Want to make a REAL difference in our world? Pick one of these kids and their project and donate or just give them a little encouragement.

If these children are any indication of the future, then I am not afraid!

Peace & Love, Rocky