You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference!

People of all ages can truly help others and support them. Aaron’s Acres has been the recipient of this support many times throughout the years. In 2023, there were three school-aged individuals who raised funds to benefit the programs that we have for children and young adults with disabilities. One child was in elementary school, one was in middle school, and one was in high school. All three students, Nolan C., Leah D. and Sanya D. initiated these activities on their own. What a powerful message from these students!

Nolan is 8 years old and created 300 wooden boxes and sold them in support of Aaron’s Acres in 2023. His project is called “Nolan’s Knick-Knacks –building for you to help build up others.” Nolan raised $650 for Aaron’s Acres!

Leah is 13 years old and has been supporting our organization for years! One way she supports Aaron’s Acres is through her family’s annual block party. She holds a ping pong ball race and 100% of the cash goes to Aaron’s Acres. After her first fundraiser, she purchased supplies for summer camp. Leah has also supported Aaron’s Acres through lemonade stands and bake sales!

Sanya is an Aaron’s Acres Angel (a group of teens dedicated to supporting Aaron’s Acres!), but she has also supported Aaron’s Acres outside of our teen group. In August, Sanya and her family sold handmade cards at Mountville’s Makers Market. Sanya raised $450 for Aaron’s Acres!

At Aaron’s Acres, we have been blessed with young people raising money for our organization. Our organization has been supported by a variety of events organized by young people: a lemonade stand, a block party, a promotional table at a community event and the creation of wooden holiday boxes. In addition to raising funds, through their efforts, more people within our larger community learned about the programs we provide for those who have varying challenges.

Teaching children at a young age about caring for others is something that we can strive for as it results in a stronger community for all. We don’t need to wait until our children are adults! The sense of accomplishment and pride that they gain through these types of experiences can positively impact them in increasing their self-esteem and confidence. By learning about others who might have different abilities and disabilities, we are raising awareness, breaking down barriers that often exist and hopefully, expanding one’s tolerance of people who might not always interact with one another.

Demonstrating and acting as positive role models as one is raising a child can be the first step in this experience. Explaining the reasons why there is a need to help a certain population and then engaging in meaningful activities to help this population can be a family activity or maybe, simply a parent-child dynamic. How ever one chooses to encourage this altruistic behavior, the impact can be tremendous and can lead to more experiences giving back to others.

Just imagine if this becomes a “thing to do” on a more regular basis! New connections can be made, new relationships can be formed, and a stronger, more positive community can be established for ALL!

We are so grateful to the young people who have chosen to support us through their own efforts and their families who have supported these endeavors at such a young age! It’s never too early to give back!