DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — When you think about a philanthropist, many people would likely think about an established adult, but philanthropy is not just for grown-ups.
A local non-profit philanthropy group relies on some teenagers to help do their good work.In this week's Here's to You Kid, 28/22 News introduces us to a pair of students making a difference in their community.
Courtesy of the Luzerne Foundation
This may look like a photo of high school students learning about woodworking, but for Cora Finn, it's a lesson in philanthropy.
The Dallas High School Senior put power tools to use for the non-profit "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" whose mission is to give beds to kids without one.
"We got to go to one of their bed-building days where we helped sand and drill and build the beds and then load them in the trucks so we could deliver to the kids so that was one of my favorite projects," said Finn.
Finn is among two dozen teens from nine different schools participating in projects as members of the Luzerne Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee. The program introduces local high school students to philanthropy and community development.
"A lot of new students their first year they're really learning and just getting their feet wet trying to understand the components of what it means to be a non-profit and how to explore the non-profit services in our area and the type of programs that they provide," said Jessica Baab, Philanthropic Services Creator, The Luzerne Foundation.
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"It looked like a good opportunity to get more engaged with my local community so I decided to join," said Finn.
Teens get their hands dirty on a variety of community projects. They also learn about non-profits and help narrow down the list of which ones will receive funding through the Luzerne Foundation.
"So we try to really get them to open their minds and their hearts to a lot of the incredible work that's being done in our community," said Baab.
Wyoming Seminary Sophomore Claire Woo is a first-year member of the Youth Advisory Committee.
"This is something that I want to do because I love, I just love to volunteer. It makes me really happy," continued Woo, "honestly, I just want to make a positive impact on those around me."
Harnessing the know-how and the power to make a difference.
"Volunteering is a life-long skill that I can carry even after I graduate from the program," said Finn.
Here's to you, Cora and Claire.
High school students selected for the Luzerne Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee commit to two years of service.
If you know someone you believe would make a good Here’s to You Kid candidate, you can nominate them as part of our NEPA’s Children First initiative.
