Kid heroes showcased for humanitarianism

Today’s youth has to focus on much more than many of us had to when we were their age.  School, homework, watching cartoons, playing games outside and simply having fun were pretty much all we had to worry about. Today, kids are forced to make sure that they are maintaining a clear pathway for a successful future in society by having to pay attention to what is going around them in relation to political, economic and even environmental happenings. Because today’s youth have recognized the need for them to become involved in the function of the society in which they live, many of them have taken initiative and shown the world exactly how they plan to contribute to making a difference.

KidsAreHeroes.org, which is a non-profit online outlet, helps children share their contributions and ideas about how to “make the world a better place.”  This information is shared online allowing everyone to access the data and discover how they too can be involved as well as gain insight from the next generation–who are the future leaders of the society they are working to preserve and improve. 

The idea of Kids Are Heroes® was conceptualized by 14-year-old Mary-Margaret O’Neill, who co-founded the organization in 2008, with the assistance of her father Gabe O’Neill who serves as president. “Our goal is to create a generational shift worldwide where volunteering becomes a natural part of child development. Kids are indeed heroes and each one has the power to change the world,” says Gabe O’Neill.

Co-founder Mary-Margaret is also a leader in her own right. She is featured on the website for her generous contributions in which she has helped many different organizations—one in particular is the Defenders of Wildlife. She has also worked with two of her personal friends to help raise money to buy 80 Webkinz, which they donated to a cancer camp for the children to enjoy. O’Neill has recently focused her humanitarian efforts on youth hospitals by organizing fundraisers where she has donated 250 MP3 players, as well as other contributions throughout the year. Mary-Margaret exemplifies the mission Kids Are Heroes® follows and serves as a role model for the organization.   

Many parents and adults, like Kindergarten teacher Charlotte Landahl, are impressed by Kids Are Heroes® and have begun educating their children about service and volunteerism by exposing them to this organization. “Several parents have written me beautiful letters thanking me for exposing their children to the idea of giving to others,” says Landahl. Her daughter, Casey, is also featured on the website and noticed that once her friends saw her refusing birthday gifts and asking for donations instead, they were influenced to follow in her footsteps.

In 2015, Atlanta will be the host city for the Kids Are Heroes® Young Leaders Summit. Children featured on the website will be celebrated and these young entrepreneurs and activists will come together to share and celebrate their accomplishments. The Kids Business Expo will also be part of the summit, allowing the children an amazing opportunity to network and learn more entrepreneurial skills.

To learn more about the Kids Are Heroes® Young Leaders Summit, check out their website.