Give Me Five For Supplies

Julia Donati

How would you describe your "Choose To Matter" project?  
My project gave underprivileged kids involved in HOW (Housing Opportunities for Women) resources and supplies for the upcoming year. I couldn't solve homelessness, but I could help. I gave kids what they needed to succeed with over $1200 and 5 bags of school supplies by getting lots of people to give just $5 or 5 supplies each. Easy. HOW used those resources to change lives!
What is your project goal?  
l wanted people to realize that you can give a little but help a lot in someone's life. People should feel good about even 5 dollars or a few school supplies. My goal was to raise $500 and 2 bags of school supplies.
What were you able to accomplish with this project? 
I was blown away by how generous people were. Some donors gave over 5 times the amount I was asking for. I raised over 1200 dollars and 5 bags of school supplies. That was over two times the amount I wanted to raise. This showed me and everyone that was helping that if everyone gives a little then it can go a long way and make a huge impact in kid’s lives.
How did “choosing to matter” affect you? 
Choosing to matter made me proud to help kids in my community. When I delivered the money I had to walk through a not so good part of Chicago. I walked by where people get shot; they shout at you and whistle. It is uncomfortable, even in daylight. The kids at HOW do this every day. The funds and supplies I raised help them to change their lives.
Academy Location/Girl Talk 
Illinois

60,768

Votes Cast Since February 1st

Puma and Eurosport are proud providers of the 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the JFSLA Choose to Matter Contest!

Second place winner (in each of the four categories) will receive a $500 Puma shopping spree via Eurosport.

Third place winner (in each of the four categories) will received a $250 Puma shopping spree via Eurosport.