Teens Reach Out

As the adult leader of a group of home-schooled teens, Darlene Miller wanted to find a way for her organization to reach out to their community and make a difference.

"As the leader of the Cabarrus County Home School Association's teen group, I am always looking for ways that our teens can give back to the community. We feel that it is important that they develop a 'giving spirit', not just 'taking' all the time," says Miller. "Life is not always fun and games and teens need balance. We looked for ways to help in areas where the need was great."

One group member who has foster siblings told the group how children coming into care, or moving from one home to another, often lack some wardrobe basics. So for the 2005-2006 school year, Miller and the teens chose to help by donating new socks and underwear.

"Hearing about the needs of children in our area was a great life lesson and they gave wholeheartedly. I am sure we will continue to help in any way we that we can," said Miller.

Approximately 30 teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 18 years old made this project their own. Each teen decided how they would personally raise money to purchase the supplies. Two hundred pair of socks and nearly the same amount of underwear was collected at the first attempt. The teens have decided to make this a yearly project. "I think that the giving of the items was a good idea, such simple things can really help, and it's really pretty easy," says Barbara Harper, age 14, from Concord, North Carolina.

Once the socks and underwear were collected, they were given to the "Clothing Closet" also set up in Cabarrus County. When foster kids first enter the system, they are given new socks and underwear along with pre-owned clothing in good condition. "I'm glad the items went to good use. I think it was a great way to give back to other children and it was even more profitable doing it with a group so more could be given," says Harper.