The love we give away is the only love we keep. –Elbert Hubbard
When Liliana I., age 9 of North Kingstown, Rhode Island decided to dedicate her special day to helping others, little did she know her kindness would echo not just throughout her community, but all around the country and even to far-away places abroad! In honor of several of her family members who proudly served in the United States military, Liliana set out to collect gifts for veterans instead of asking for gifts for herself for her birthday. In September, she reached out on social media for support and the response was astounding! People from all around the country donated items to her cause. She received sound machines for PTSD, suspenders, clothing, large-faced watches, electric razors and dozens of “boom boxes,” to name just a few. Liliana, together with her mother, grandmother and great grandmother (that’s four generations!), wrapped all the gifts and prepared them for delivery to Rhode Island Veteran’s Home in Bristol on the “big day.” In an interview with a local news station, Liliana said, “It made me feel very happy and warm on the inside because I knew I was doing something good for someone else and that they would love them and just feel appreciated.” Liliana’s selfless caring generated a ripple of love that reached far and wide. She received birthday cards and notes from every state in U.S., and even from as far away as the Philippines and Poland! Liliana is already planning to celebrate her 10th birthday in a similar fashion when the time comes. She clearly understands the meaning of the words, “the love we give away, is the only love we keep.”
Thank you, Liliana, for being a Kid Who Cares!
Our wings are small but the ripples of the heart are infinite. -Amit Ray
Claire & Isla
Photo Credit: K. Travers Photography
Claire G, age 10, from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, wanted to do something for Thanksgiving to support local businesses struggling to stay afloat through the Covid-19 pandemic. When she shared her thoughts with her eight year-old sister Isla, Isla was immediately on board. With mom’s help, the girls got to work setting up an apple cider stand in their front yard, the proceeds of which were to be donated to a local small business. They also collected canned goods for the near-by food pantry. Word travelled fast and the girls started to receive donations from friends and family members, as well as from the community. Just in time for Thanksgiving, they were able to support two local businesses, The Nook Coffee House and Crush Fitness Studio in East Greenwich, as well as the North Kingstown Food Pantry. The girls hand-delivered cards containing their donations to each of the recipients. With this caring gesture, they touched many a heart and provided a much-needed dose of sunlight during a time of darkness and hardship for many. Shannon Wylie, owner of The Nook Coffee Shop, took to social media to express her thanks: “To know these two girls hatched this idea on their own gave me so much hope, in humanity and in our community. (…) Claire and Isla, thank you, I won’t ever forget it.”
Thank you, Claire and Isla, for being Kids Who Care!