A 15-year-old girl is leading a project to provide survival care kits to homeless people in Arkansas.

Kelli (last name witheld), who serves as the Youth Council president at UALR-Children International, was awarded a Disney Friends for Change grant to create the kits, which will include hand sanitizer, washcloths, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, disinfectant wipes, socks, water and water bottle, tissue and snacks to eat.

Through a partnership created with the Salvation Army of Central Arkansas, Kelli and her project team will distribute the kits while serving a meal at the Salvation Army in Little Rock on Global Youth Service Day, April 11.

When explaining to Disney why she was passionate about this issue, she noted the ways that Children International is dedicated to helping youth and families overcome poverty.

“I know what it means to receive help from others and the difference that it can make,” she said. “When I am driving around downtown Little Rock with my mom, I always notice homeless people on the corner. I often wonder how I can make a difference and show them that I care.”

“We are so proud of Kelli’s project and the initiative she has shown in making a positive difference in her community,” said Julie Hall, director of UALR-Children International. “She is a great role model for others in the program.”

CI’s Youth Councils are democratically-elected groups of sponsored youth who are concerned about the state of their communities. The councils provide young people with valuable life skills, enabling them to exercise community volunteerism and leadership.

About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

Learn more at ualr.edu/children.

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