Kind News™ Magazine Features Young People Who Give
November 25th, 2023
By Heidi Colonna, Kind News™ Writer and Co-Editor
In planning our November/December Kind News magazine, we decided to bring young heroes front and center. It’s the season of giving, and we wanted to shine a light on the many ways young people can give.
We got back in touch with three “Humane Heroes” from previous issues:
- Cameron Daly (13), who drew on his artistic talent to create custom, hand-drawn personal or business logos and raise money for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and his local Hoboken (NJ) Shelter;
- Kaitlin Miyashiro (14) who teaches pet care to children at her community’s schools in Hawaii through her organization, AEI of HI;
- Jayden Perez (14) who collects school supplies and toys for children in need and pet food for his local animal shelter through his non-profit, From the Bottom of My Heart. Jayden became a 2021 Time Kid of the Year finalist and Giving Tuesday ambassador since we last spoke with him!
There were new kids to talk with: Paisley and Beckett Kemmer (11 and 9), who give their time volunteering with their grandmother at pet adoption events for Grand River Humane in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Natalie Korzuch (18), a Girl Scout who developed a pet safety program for young children and board member at the Prince William SPCA in Virginia.
The heroes spoke about a good feeling they get when giving. Paisley could still see the smiles on people’s faces when they get a new pet. Her brother, Beckett said, “Walking the dogs makes me feel good.” Natalie, who was awarded a $10,000 Girl Scout Gold Award scholarship for her project, talked about the hugs from her young students when she finished her last presentation, and their excitement over learning and sharing how to keep pets and wildlife safe.
In their interviews, all the heroes encouraged other young people to follow suit and get involved. Kaitlin, now 14, said, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young. Dream big. Be fearless.” Find the full stories in our current issue and be sure to share with the young people you know!
