I think this is great for these young people to get involved and care about helping children.
During the recent AFR Leadership Summit, youth participants worked on service projects that benefitted children less fortunate than themselves.
During the teen session, for grades 7-9, the youth constructed 80 fleece blankets for donation to Project Linus. According to their website, the mission for Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets. The blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.
The service project for the senior session students, grades 10-12, was a research project focused on finding the best charity to receive a $1,000 donation. The students chose to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I think this is great for these young people to get involved and care about helping children,” Emily Drover, Oklahoma City representative for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Founded by Danny Thomas, the hospital’s vision is no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or ability to pay.
“Families never receive a bill from us,” Drover said. “We believe all a family should worry about is helping their child.”
The service projects were honored Aug. 8 during recognition with the respective organizations. Representing the young participants was the AFR Youth Advisory Council, elected at the senior session.
