By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Our Children Making Change recently kicked off their 13th season. The non-profit organization was founded by local mom Laura Dulac, when she noticed that there were not a lot of volunteer opportunities for her kids to participate in. In response, she formed Our Children Making Change, a way for children of all ages to contribute to charities in their communities through fundraising. It is an opportunity for children who may be too young to volunteer to become active participants in their community through work that is just right for them.
Over the years, thousands of children have participated, benefitting many charities. To date, Our Children Making Change has raised over half a million dollars, all of which was donated directly to local non-profit organizations.
“The focus of the program is to teach children that everyone can do something,” says team leader, Jaclyn Todd. “And together they can make a big difference!”
At the beginning of each summer, the participants have the opportunity to make presentations to nominate a charity that they would like to help. After all of the presentations, the children vote and choose the organizations which all of the children fundraise for. A few of the non-profits chosen to be a recipient this year are The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, Reeds Organic Farm and Animal Sanctuary, Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League, Heart of Surfing and the Humane Society of Ocean City.
Each participant is asked to raise $100 during the summer. How do the kids raise $100? Lots of ways. The kids choose how. “Some of their favorite ways are by selling lemonade, organizing events such as bike-a-thons and scavenger hunts. We have kids teaching yoga at Grace & Glory Yoga in Northfield, making bracelets and bead art, selling painted seashells, selling coffee and baked goods. Some link up with small businesses such as Maui Joe’s selling shaved ice and Jessie’s of Linwood, selling baked goods and drinks,” shares team leader Jaclyn Todd.
At the end of the summer each participant is asked to deposit their money into the Our Children Making Change bank account. At the closing ceremony in August, checks are presented to a member of each non-profit organization. It’s very powerful for the kids to see the money being given to the organizations and how grateful they are. Following the closing ceremony, the kids are given wristbands to ride the Ocean City rides for two hours. It’s a fun way to reward them for their hard work.
Our Children Making Change offers a meaningful experience that has a big impact on children. If you would like more information or to get your kids involved, please visit ourchildrenmakingchange.org or visit them on Facebook.
Our Children Making Change Maui Joe shaved ice fundraising event is Thursday July 29th from 5:30-7pm on the corner of Wabash and Schoolhouse Drive in Linwood.
