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Kids making a difference in their community

I want my kids to know that nothing comes easy. You have to work for what you want and when your cup is full….make sure you fill up someone else cup. It could be in community work, mentoring, or just helping someone in need. I want my kids to not only give back but to be a part of the change that needs to be made in this world. I had the pleasure of sitting in on an interview with two kids under 10 who inspired me to do more in my community. I will let them tell you a little about what they do from their perspective.

Kids Making a Difference

By: Marteeta Cannon Spradling

What were you doing at 6 years old? Chances are, if you were anything like me, you were just focusing on holding your crayon properly and coloring within the lines. Meet Uriah Bell, who may or may not color within the lines, but he most definitely thinks outside of the box. Uriah was only 6 years old when he received his calling to serve others. He observed a homeless man in the park and wanted to offer his assistance.  At that moment, Uriah walked into his calling and formed a ministry called “Uriah’s Bag of H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Prosper and Excel).”  8 months later, he was awarded a grant from Youth Service America to help him end Childhood Hunger in Newton County, GA.  

Another Newton County outside of the box thinker is Jazlyn Spradling. Jazlyn is the Project Leader of The Book Exchange Literacy Movement. Jazlyn is changing the world one book at a time. When she was 7 years old, Jazlyn and her twin brothers, Jaxson and Jayson, decided to start a neighborhood library.  Jazlyn saw a Disney Be Inspired Commercial on the Disney Channel and wrote in about the community service project that she started with her brothers. Their idea caught the attention of both Youth Service America and Disney.  Jazlyn was awarded the 2017 Disney Summer of Service Grant to help improve the literacy rate in her community.

Earlier this week, I sat down in a trendy eatery in downtown Covington, GA and had an interview with these pint-sized community activists. After speaking with 7-year-old Uriah Bell and 8-year-old Jazlyn Spradling, I can say that our future is bright and in good hands. These kids are making a difference in their community and shaking up the world around them with their good deeds.

Marteeta: What lessons did you learn from creating your community service projects?

Uriah: The biggest lesson that I learned was that we are not too young or too old to help others.  There are so many people who need help that we must get in there and help.  

 

Jazlyn: My project taught me many lessons. I learned how to stand in front of people and give a speech, make a schedule and work with volunteers.

 

 Marteeta:  When you think about your service project, what makes you proud?

 

Jazlyn: I am proud that The Book Exchange has given away almost 700 books and the kids in my community are getting excited about reading.

 

Uriah: The number of children that we could provide food for and the nutritious food we gave. I served approximately 110 children (50 families)  

Marteeta: What advice would you give to other young people who are looking to create their own projects in their community?

 

Uriah:  They should look for a genuine need in the community and allow their creativity to flow. There are people and businesses out there who want to help those who want to help others.

 

Jazlyn: Look around your community and see what needs to be done. If the need speaks to your heart, then go for it! We all can make a difference and a great impact right where we are.

Marteeta: Why do you think it is important for young people to be involved in service?

Jazlyn: Young people should be involved in service because when we serve others, we learn how to be better citizens.

Uriah: It is important to learn at a young age to be compassionate towards others and to be a positive part in the community. I am empowered to be a force of good for my community, state and nation.

For more information on Uriah’s Bag of H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Prosper and Excel) visit the Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=uriah%27s%20bag%20of%20hope

Social Media Contact for The Book Exchange:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1793217497599101/

https://twitter.com/BookExchangeGA1

https://www.instagram.com/thebookexchange_ga/

11 Comments

  • Melesha Oglen
    May 22, 2017 at 11:29 am

    This is a very inspiring story to see the young starting off on the right track. I am.so glad that my daughter has taken on that wing to help and give back. When I was their age I didn’t really think about that. Thanks for sharing this. Definitely going to share it with my daughter as well.

    Reply
  • Ra'Nesha
    May 22, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Wow awesome story and very inspirational I love the Exchange Literacy Movement idea. Headed to checkout Uriah’s Bag of Hope.

    Reply
  • Carissa
    May 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    Wow…these children have amazing stories! Very inspiring to see the younger generation starting out with a spirit to serve others. That is usually something we have to grow into. Thanks for sharing their stories!

    Reply
  • Tonia
    May 23, 2017 at 7:01 am

    These kids are absolutely amazing. They are the best thing about society: at this age they are still people who care and have compassion for others.

    Reply
  • Latoya
    May 23, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    This makes my heart really happy. So awesome!

    Reply
  • Kirstin Fuller
    May 24, 2017 at 12:34 am

    Love this story! Are they really kids? Seems like they’be been here before. I love the love of community that they already have at these young ages.

    Reply
  • Aija
    May 24, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Train them up young, I love it! ❤️❤️ Teaching them as children means they will hopefully always have a heart for service.

    Reply
  • Natasha
    May 24, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    When we read so much about what kids AREN’T accomplishing in the news, it’s SO refreshing to see young people being supported in their greatness!

    Reply
  • Tione
    May 25, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    These kids are really young and smart. I hope they grow up to be entrepreneurs that will make a huge difference to our society.

    Reply
  • Kasi
    May 26, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    This is so awesome! Love to see young kids making a difference in their communities! I can tell they have bright futures ahead of them!

    Reply
  • LaQuisha
    May 28, 2017 at 3:28 am

    I love to see young people doing great things in their community. They are highly capable, just need the guidance of responsible adults.

    Reply

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