Did you know that some kids don't have a bed to sleep in at night, or even a home to go to? It's true; some kids go to shelters at night but have nowhere to go in the day hours. The good news is there are lots of ways to help those who are not as lucky as you.
- One shelter has opened a place for kids to go during the day. They have a playground, lunches, and sometimes they get to go to places like the Atlanta Zoo. They need money, blankets, shower curtains and other things. You can even go play with them on the playground. You can check out the wish list at atlantachildrensshelter.com
or call the shelter at 404-892-3713.
- If you are 9 to 14 years old you can be a” Young Friend" to children at Atlanta Egleston Children's Hospital. You won't actually be with the children but you can make crafts for them to enjoy. The group of helpers usually meet at 4 P.M. the second Tuesday of each month. Call Anita Adair at 404 785 6371 to volunteer.
- Imagine you live in a poor country where mosquitoes carry a disease that kills lots of kids. Now imagine that a 5 dollar net might save your life. It will fit over your bed and keep the mosquitoes out, but wait, your family is poor, and they don't have 5 dollars to buy a net. Kids like you can donate dollars from your allowance and save kids lives. You can also, have bake sales and organize projects. Donations can be sent to CDC Foundations Attention: Sweat for nets, 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 765, Atlanta, and Ga.30303. You can also learn more at childrenforchildren.org.
- Atlanta Food Bank: The food bank gives out lots of food and other items to hungry people almost 2 million pounds a month.You can conduct a food drive, or if you are at least 8 years old and come with an adult you can help sort out donations into boxes for delivery. There is even a selection of school supplies for teachers at low income schools. For more information log on toacfb.org
or call the food bank at 404-892-3333.
Ideas for Raising Money:
- Challenge your friends to give up one week of allowance for a favorite charity.
- Plan a fun event for your friends and have them bring a specific item as admission. Maybe they could bring a shoe box of toiletries for a shelter or a toy for a children's hospital.
- Ask a favorite teacher or school official if they will do something silly if the kids raise a certain amount of money for a charity.Maybe they will wear a pair of pajamas to school or shave off a moustache.
- Challenge your friends to give up a treat such as fast food or a movie and donate the money to a favorite charity.
Six year old Baylen Levine is one kid who has already helped. He saved part of his allowance every month for a year and took it to the Atlanta Children's Shelter.
