Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  One day I was contemplating this quote and wondering what I could do to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.  I wanted to make a difference because so many people have impacted me that I wished to give back to them and the community.  Since I am a junior in high school, kids and youth who face difficult situations from poverty to homelessness have inspired me to help improve their lives.

I have always enjoyed painting, and have been doing so for five years.  But what could I do with my creative skills to change the world?  I decided I needed to take it to the next step and copy and size my paintings to a card.  I then participated in an autumn craft festival selling my handmade and painted cards.  There was still a piece missing in the puzzle -- something didn’t feel compeletely right.  I was determined to figure out what I could do to "be the change".

Then one sunny day, I thought of an idea: I would send my handmade and painted cards to organizations across the globe that help kids who may be suffering from poverty, homelessness, or difficult situations.  I call my project “Cards for Kids.”  Since it began in November 2009, over 700 personalized message cards have been sent out to kids in the United States and other countries, such as Tanzania.  Although this endeavor takes much time, it feels like an honor help put a smile on a child’s face when s/he is going through a tough time.

Currently, I am writing to such organizations as The World Orphan Project, as well as various children’s shelters and hospitals.  As the project progresses, I hope to send out even more cards.  I have been learning throughout the course of this project that each individual has a chance to be the change, make the change, and initiate the change.