Youth Philanthropy showcase wraps up first year; second-year projects are sought

LAUREL — In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Youth Philanthropy Showcase was held at the Laurel Learning Center to celebrate the completion of the first year of Youth Philanthropy Projects.

There were three projects by two different groups.

Kennedy Hall, Coleridge, made Birthday Bags to help kids have birthday parties when their families might not be able to afford it. The birthday bags are available at the Coleridge Christians Caring Food Pantry at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge, 402-283-4547.

The other two projects were from Bit & Bridle 4-H Club.

They added a Stand-and-Spin to the play equipment by the Laurel pool house, and two pieces of fitness equipment to the walking trail on the west side of Haskell Football field.

“A healthy community is a better community,” said Maddy Graham, a Bit & Bridle 4H Club member.

These additions are installed and ready to be used.

These kids chose projects to make a change in their communities that they wanted to see. They worked on budgets, made the purchases and did the work to see their projects become a reality.

The first-year funding for the Youth Philanthropy Projects came from Laurel Area Community Foundation, and the Nebraska Community Foundation.

Projects can receive up to $500 to make their projects happen.

As the second year of Youth Philanthropy begins, the organization is seeking donations from the communities to make these projects happen.

Donations can be made to either Laurel Area Community Foundation or Nebraska Community Foundation, and list Youth Philanthropy Project on the memo line.

The Youth Philanthropy Committee is taking applications for the 2020 season.

Forms can be picked up at either the Central office, the Middle School office or the Laurel Economic Development office. Young people, Kindergarten to age 25, are invited to pick an idea to make a change they’d like to see, and make a difference in our area. They can save something, create something, or change something.  Their ideas could be something they’ve been thinking about for a while or a totally random spark of inspiration – as long as it benefits others.  

The guidelines for the projects are:

Have a positive impact on the community.

Can be completed by October 1st.

Take place in any of our LCC School Communities: Laurel, Coleridge, Concord, Belden or Dixon.

Are charitable in nature - which means it must focus on serving the public interest or common good.

Directly involves youth in the project work.

Anyone with questions should contact Chris Rasmussen at the Laurel Economic Development office, 402-256-9614.