5 Uplifting Stories from Our KidCents Partners
Every year, Rite Aid customers rounding up their purchases donate millions of dollars to charities across the country through the KidCents fundraising program. Funds go to organizations that support kids and families in a variety of areas, including health and wellness, food security, and education.
From overcoming mental health challenges to rediscovering the joy of childhood, our KidCents partners are always eager to share uplifting stories from their work, and so are we!
Malena’s Story
When Malena arrived at a Family Solutions group home, she had already been in and out of treatment facilities, detention centers and foster homes. She was struggling with anger and trust issues and wasn’t interested in participating in programs she attended.
Malena wasn’t used to having so many people care about her future. But eventually, as she was prepared to turn 18, she realized that with the help of others, she could change her future. She began to want to set new goals, and to engage with those at the group home who were there to support her.
At 21, Malena is now a wife and mother who has learned that family can be anyone, and that love comes in many forms. Like so many others, Malena needed the support and patience of an organization like Family Solutions, where she could start building a future and healing from her past.
Her story reminds us that no matter our challenges, we can build new futures for ourselves!
Michaela’s Story
Giving back to the community is one of the best ways to give back to yourself.
Like so many staff members and volunteers at KidCents organizations, Michaela Conway has grown and flourished during her time at Double H Ranch, a camp where kids can enjoy the outdoors regardless of medical conditions or requirements.
Michaela has been volunteering there since 2008, when she began as a ski and snowboarding instructor at just 15 years old! Michaela is now a part of the camp team year-round and serves as a cabin counselor, virtual program volunteer and much more.
Michaela has grown from a teenager with a vision to one of Double H Ranch’s most beloved team members, and her years of passion led to her being awarded the camp’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2021. Her natural ability to connect with campers and families helps makes each child’s experience unique, and Double H Ranch would not be the same without her community leadership!
Joshua and Laura’s Story
In Michigan, more than half of third-grade students cannot read at their level, but Downtown Boxing Gym is giving kids the resources they need to fly through chapter books.
The gym’s mentoring program pairs teams like 11-year-old Joshua and Laura, a college student at Wayne State University. The pair meets virtually twice a week, and have fun as they work through reading, writing, comprehension, reflection and literacy activities.
Since beginning their twice-a-week meetings, Joshua has jumped more than five readings levels! Joshua is now reading his third chapter book, Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters.
Mandy’s Story
Like Michaela, Mandy’s volunteer efforts have taken her places she never could have expected. And that’s because when you do good for others, you do good for yourself as well!
Mandy is a volunteer intern at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, an organization that inspires their neighbors to be healthy and active citizens through organic gardening, environmental stewardship and nutrition education.
While teaching nutrition and cooking to adults and kids alike, Mandy began to learn more about food waste and insecurity. Now, Mandy has grown into a community leader addressing the needs of her neighbors and working for health equity and food access for all.
Duke’s Story
Duke was born prematurely at 25 weeks, and his serious medical challenges meant that he needed to spend nearly five months in the NICU. While in the hospital, Duke was treated for a severe brain bleed and underwent several important operations.
When he finally came home, Duke’s mother Brea found that the future seemed overwhelming. She wanted to care for her delicate son but felt isolated. That all changed when Duke’s doctors referred Brea to HopeSparks for Early Intervention services when Duke was 6 months old.
HopeSparks is an organization whose programs assist kids and families who are facing trauma, abuse and overwhelming life challenges. Through its therapy and support Brea found new empowerment, and Duke received resources to grow up strong.
Duke is now nearly 5 years old and is an imaginative boy who loves to tell stories, play with his siblings and run!
Conclusion
While the challenges facing our neighborhoods can’t be overcome in a day, it’s important to celebrate our successes and to lift up each other.
These five stories remind us of the human spark at the heart of our work.
Looking for more stories from our partners? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for weekly updates from around our programs!