Great Lakes Credit Union and Little Lake County are proud to bring you “Kirby’s Kids: Kids. Doing. Good. This program recognizes a child each month that is doing good in their community and brings you their stories of determination, hope and goodwill.
Helping others that are less fortunate has always seemed to come naturally to Abby. Beginning at the tender age of 18 months, she was attending One Hope United, planning meetings with her mom, and by age two, the desire to volunteer was already growing. Her mother, Donna, had always been actively involved in the organization, and it was only natural for Abby to begin to help out too.
One Hope United is an organization that provides an array of intervention, prevention and community-based, support programs throughout Illinois and several other states. They have a very specific purpose, and that is to ensure that children grow up in safe, loving environments. They offer services such as family care, youth services, behavioral support, adoption, and foster care. Abby’s mom had been involved with the organization for quite some time, and by age two, Abby was helping out as well. Her official start to her volunteer resume occurred when she stuffed envelopes with her mom for fundraising events. Small tasks soon grew into larger tasks as she grew older, and her desire to help grew stronger.
At three years old, Abby began making small, handcrafted holiday decorations with her mom for the boys that live at the One Hope United Lake Villa campus. When she was three years old, she had fun participating in the fashion show fundraiser, and by age four, she was writing notes to family and friends to ask for their support by buying raffle tickets.
Her desire to volunteer didn’t stop there. She continued by baking cupcakes and partnering with Lovin Oven Cakery to create giant cupcakes that were auctioned off at a fundraiser for $12,400! She has helped the organization so much, but it has not seemed like work to her, as she truly has enjoyed the work she has done. She has continued baking for events, selling raffle tickets, and auctioning off original paintings. She also takes an active role in helping out at One Hope United events by doing things like setting up, greeting guests, and cleaning up.
The best part of Abby’s work as a volunteer is that she has spread the word with her friends. She has encouraged her friends to get involved and to help out, too, and the results have been really fun for all involved! Her Girl Scout troop helped make decorations and wrap gifts for the boys that live at the Lake Villa Campus. She led a hat and glove drive with her classmates for kids in foster care, and last year, she involved her entire school in filling coin banks for child abuse prevention programs at One House United.
Abby is just like other eleven-year-old girls her age in so many ways, keeping active in her some of her favorite sports like cheerleading, softball and hockey. She loves math, and enjoys movies and books. Most of all, though, she loves helping others that need it because she says that it feels good to do things for others. She understands that not everyone has it easy, and she wants to try to help them out as much as possible. She loves volunteering because, according to her, it is rewarding to help other people, and make new friends all at the same time!
Would you like to help out and make a difference like Abby has? Check out One Hope United to learn more about their organization. Discover the opportunities that are waiting for you by looking at the many volunteer opportunities they offer. There is so much need, and every little bit helps!
Each and every one of our Kirby’s Kids gets to meet Kirby the Kangaroo at their local Great Lakes Credit Union branch. Kirby met Abby at their local Antioch branch and opened up a youth savings account in her name with a $100 starting balance, courtesy of Great Lakes Credit Union.
Do you know an inspirational, courageous or exceptional young person living in Lake County, (age 15 or younger) who is serving as a role model in his or her community? Help us recognize these big hearts! Nominate a child for the Kirby’s Kid program.
Follow this link to complete a nomination form. If your nominee is selected we will contact you and/or the child’s guardian for inclusion in the Kirby’s Kids program.
For more information about the Kirby’s Kids, read our program introduction.
Disclosure: Great Lakes Credit Union is the paid sponsor of the Kirby’s Kids program.
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