Kids who care!

One of the best parts of my job is meeting children and teenagers who really are making a difference. When I hear people say "what's wrong with kids today," I just shake my head. Yes, there are terrible incidents that involve young people...but that's not representative of most kids. Too many times we only remember the bad...but believe me I have seen the good. I feel very lucky to be able to share those stories with our viewers.

Here are just a couple of those GOOD stories:

I was so excited to receive a t-shirt and photo from the HELP Malawi organization based right here in the Cleveland area in the mail this week. I did a story several weeks ago on the HELP Malawi project and Students With A Purpose. They are building a medical clinic in Africa and have already built a school for the children in Malawi. The children are in desperate need of medical care...many have lost their parents to AIDS...many have never been to school. So, the Wolstein family is involved with the project along with other high school students in area private and public schools.

There was a recent fundraiser at the Rock Hall that was very successful. Illana Wolstein, a Hathaway Brown student, took photos on a recent trip that she is selling to raise money. They are beautiful photos, she is very talented...but beyond that she doesn't have to do what she is doing...and is.
Here is a link on how you can help, too.
http://www.helpmalawichildren.org/about_help_malawi.php

Elementary students have big hearts too..let's not forget them. I saw this project up close several years ago...it's called "Chairs that Care." The auction is next Saturday, June 7th at 10:30 at Lincoln School in Lakewood. The children were inspired by famous painters like Monet and VanGogh, and then they painted chairs that were found on tree lawns. The chairs will be auctioned off and the proceeds benefit the Cleveland Food Bank. The food bank has told us that they are seeing so many families in need this year. In the past the auction has raised $18,000. Great work for 2nd to 5th graders.

The kids were here early to set up their "masterpieces"...here is video of them setting up and getting ready to talk to me live.



Here is behind the scenes video as I head over during to show to get in position for the segment.



Take a look at this talent! What wonderful artists these elementary students are.










So when people say "what's wrong with kids today"....we can all point to what's RIGHT with kids.
Happy Sunday, Kim
Email: kimwheeler@wkyc.com