11-Year-Old Girl Raises Money for Homeless Outreach Program
This guest blog is provided by Khloe Thompson, an 11-year-old California preteen who is passionate about serving those who are homeless. Visit her organization, Khloe Kares, for more information on her work in the Los Angeles area. We are grateful for her giving spirit and her generous supporters. The money raised will support our homeless outreach programs.
My name is Khloe and I’m 11 years old and I started a nonprofit organization called Khloe Kares in Los Angeles. I custom design and make tote bags for women who are in shelters and living on the streets. I like to call these bags “Kare Bags” and I fill them with over 25 bare necessity items. I started my nonprofit because I noticed a lady who was homeless by my school and I wanted to do something to help her. So instead of giving out plastic bags I wanted women to make sturdy bags. Now, I’ve distributed and made over 3,500 bags to women in need.
Recently, when I was watching the news they had all this stuff talking about the Polar Vortex and how Chicago’s homeless was in danger because of the freezing temperatures. I’ve never been in the snow but learning that the weather was going to be below 0 degrees just made me sad for the homeless community. The news stations were talking about how the Salvation Army was really going into overtime to help get as many people off the streets so they can be in warm shelters. So I thought of raising money through GoFundMe to help them out.
My original goal was only set at $10,000 and I didn’t even know if I was going to hit it. But I ended up raising $65,000 for the Salvation Army! This made me so happy because they will be able to help so many people. I love helping my community here in Los Angeles so it just made sense to help those in need in Chicago too. I’m so thankful for all of those who donated and supported this campaign.
During the Polar Vortex, The Salvation Army Freedom Center served 35 - 65 people overnight each evening, and provided them with a new cot with a blanket and pillow, homemade meals with desserts, showers, activities and access to programs and services. Additionally, at least eight men entered detox and a substance abuse rehabilitation program at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. Staff and volunteers would make a late-night run 7 p.m. - midnight, asking people to come into the temporary shelters for warmth, food and safety. Those who chose to stay in their tents were given food, blankets, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and other items to help them survive the deadly cold.
Tune in to Khloe's interview with Art "Chat Daddy" Sims on WVON-AM on Wednesday, February 20 at 7 p.m.