Knitting for AIDS Orphans

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

You may have heard of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It is such a tragedy especially because so many parents are dying of AIDS and leaving their children with no one to take care of them. It is estimated that there are 14.8 million orphans in sub-saharan Africa. 1.9 million live in South Africa. So many sweet, innocent babies with no parents! It makes me sad to think about them.

There may not be anything we can do to stop the spread of AIDS, but there is something we can do for the children: knit for them. KASCare is an organization in South Africa that collects knitted squares and sews them up into blankets for the orphans. You might not think it gets cold in South Africa, but it does! I was there for the World Cup in 2010, and the temperature got down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night. I wore a hat and mittens every night. And remember, these children don't have heaters. A blanket would be a very nice gift for them. Not only will it keep them warm, but it will let them know that someone in the world cares about them.

• What
  Knit one 8" square, and then knit another one, and another one . . . You don't have to make the whole blanket. KASCare will put all the squares together for you. But you can send as many squares as you can make.
• How
  If you don't know how to knit, the best way to learn is to have someone teach you in person. Here is a how to knit tutorial to get you started, but try to find an experienced knitter to help you.
• Where
  Mail your finished squares to this address in South Africa:
  Knit a Square Soweto Comfort Club
  Private Bag X900
  Bryanston 2021
  South Africa
• When
  Anytime. Right now!

 

Think how cool it would be to get a whole group of people all knitting squares. Talk it up and start a knitting club at your church or Scout troop. Ask your principal if you can start a club at school where kids knit during recess or after school. Knitting is really fun, AND you will be doing something to make the world a better place!

Leave a Comment and let us know if you are a knitter, and if you are inspired to help the AIDS orphans.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Kid Power! My First Heartbreak

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

Have you ever felt really nervous or had jittery stomach butterflies around someone? Don't worry, you're not sick! It happens to all of us: crushes. Once upon a time, when I was 11 years old, I had a crush who was really mean to me. He ended up breaking my heart, but I definitely learned a lot from the experience.

He used to hang out with my neighbor, so I would see him around the neighborhood a lot. One day, he and his friend were riding their bikes past my house, and I heard him yelling really mean things about how I was ugly and had no friends! Harsh, right? The first thing I did was go inside and cry my eyes out.

But then I realized something. I am not ugly. I have never been ugly and I never will be ugly. I have wonderful friends who think I'm awesome just the way I am. OK, maybe not a lot of friends; maybe just 2 really good friends, but here's the important thing I realized: HE DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE ONE OF THEM! He does not deserve any of my attention whatsoever.

I ignored him after that, just completely shut him out. When I saw him, I kept walking as if I didn't know him at all. All during middle school and high school, I gave my love and attention to my true friends who saw the awesomeness and beauty in me that I knew was there. I lived happily ever after because I did not let him write MY life story!

How will this help you make the world a better place? It's all about kid power! Heartbreak is a part of life, but you always have the power to write your own life story. Don't get sidetracked by anyone who doesn't think you're awesome. Don't let anyone stop you from doing the amazing things you were born to do!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Big Miracle Whale Rescue Movie

If you love whales, you won't want to miss Big Miracle (rated PG), in theaters February 3. It is a rescue adventure movie that tells the amazing true story of Adam, a small town news reporter (played by John Krasinski) and Rachel, a Greenpeace volunteer (played by Drew Barrymore) who work to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by ice in the Arctic Circle. With time running out, Rachel and Adam must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil companies, and Russian and American military to free the whales.

We wanted to get the real story, so we interviewed Cindy Lowry, the REAL LIFE Greenpeace volunteer who was there and inspired Drew Barrymore's character. She has a lot of amazing whale stories, plus insight into how we can protect animals today, so read on. . .

Kid Power! Overcoming Fear

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

One day when I was younger, a chihuahua chased me down the street and bit me. Ever since that day, I have feared and hated dogs. If a dog was close to me, I would move away as fast as possible, or go to the other side of the street because I was afraid.

But, recently, my sister bought a puppy, and I was forced to live with a dog in my house. My sister told me to pet the dog. She is small, so I wasn't that scared, and I did it. The puppy was so nice and loving, and she did not attack me. That's when I realized I really like this puppy!

I started taking care of the puppy, taking her out on walks, and taking her to the veterinarian for check-ups. Slowly I started to find love. Now, I love her so much, and I would do anything for her.

My friends are still surprised that I am no longer afraid of dogs. It was a long process, but I did it. I set my mind to stop being afraid. I confronted my fear, and I conquered it.

You can too! Is there something you are afraid of? You have the power to conquer it! Think about it and see if you can't come up with a way to confront your fear. Take a chance! It could change your life.

Leave a Comment to let me know how it goes. I'm rooting for you!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Kid Power! Good Friends

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

"F is for Friends who do stuff together. U is for You and me. N is for Anywhere and anytime at all."

Do you recognize these lyrics? They come from the song "F.U.N." featured in SpongeBob. Friendships make life fun! They make activities and school so much easier because you always have something to look forward to. Friends are essential because they listen to our good news and our bad news, and they pick us up when we are feeling down.

Being a good friend is a "Kid Power" way to make the world a better place. Here's how to know if you are being a good friend, and if someone is being a good friend to you.

• A good friend always wants what is best for you.
• A good friend does not pressure you into doing things that you are not comfortable doing.
• A good friend tries to understand your feelings.
• A good friend tries to make you smile when you are feeling down.
• A good friend does not talk about you behind your back.
• A good friend is honest and tells you the truth.
• A good friend is trustworthy even with your deepest, darkest secret.
• A good friend will love you for who you are, and accept the silly, weird hobbies you have.
• A good friend will be fun.

If you're ever questioning your friendship, review the list above. For me, trust and honesty are the most important factors in a friendship. Yes, sometimes we argue with our friends, but you should never go behind someone's back or reveal any important secrets.

Aside from having fun with my friends, I make sure they know that I appreciate them and love them by creating handmade cards and gifts, sending them funny videos, giving them books I've read, doing favors for them, and more. Friendships are effortless when they come from the heart. Let people know that you care about them and appreciate them. This good, simple deed goes a long way to improving your friendships and to making new friends.

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Kid Power! Motivation

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

Quotes are short and simple ways of letting us know that we are not alone. In times of adversity we may feel like no one understands us, but by reading quotes, we can see that people before us have gone through similar situations, and it motivates us to do better.

Every week, I write a new quote in my planner. The quotes motivate me to achieve my goals. Below are some favorite quotes to help inspire you to achieve your goals.

1. "Whatever you are, be a good one." -Abraham Lincoln
2. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." -Walt Disney
3. "The Quieter you become, the more you can hear." -Ram Dass
4. "No one is perfect--that's why pencils have erasers." -Unknown
5. "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on the Treasure Island." -Walt Disney
6. "Writing is good, thinking is better. Cleverness is good, patience is better." -Hermann Hesse
7. "He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away." -Raymond Hull
8. "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope and confidence." -Helen Keller
9. "They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carol Buchner
10. "Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny." -Frank Outlaw

I sometimes even print quotes and hang them up all around my room. You can put quotes anywhere, on your notebook, on a sticky note, on your hand. Re-read these quotes when you're feeling down, and remember that there is always a reason to go on and be happy.

Do you have a favorite quote? Leave it in the Comments for us and keep the motivation going!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Kid Power! New Year's Resolutions

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

It's almost 2012 and it's my favorite time of year. The beginning of a new year is a great time to start brand new, to think of some goals and resolutions for how to be a better person. No one is perfect, and this is a great time to think about ways that you can improve in 2012.

My New Year's Resolutions:

• Set a better schedule for myself
• Spend more time with my family
• Be a better friend and a better listener
• Change my closet and develop a better style
• Graduate college with good grades and honors
• Travel to a new country
• Do more arts and crafts activities and more D.I.Y fashion activities
• Go to the gym more often, and live a healthier lifestyle (No more soda or candy!)
• Read interesting books
• Learn how to cook

Your New Year's resolutions and goals can be about anything, from saving more money so you can buy a really cool toy that you like, to making more friends, or to spending more time with your sibling. Start jotting down some goals. After you finish, keep the paper somewhere that you can see it constantly, like on your refrigerator or on a wall in your room. Give yourself credit for all your success, and check off the things on your list that you have completed as the time passes.

Leave a Comment with your resolutions for 2012. Happy New Year!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Kid Power Winter Coat Drive

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

Do you have a winter coat that doesn't fit you anymore? Don't throw it away! Donate it to One Warm Coat, an organization that gives away free coats to families who need them. Here is a great way to bring some warmth into someone's life AND recycle at the same time, making the world a better place in 2 ways!

• What
  New or gently used coats
• When
  Now through January 16
• Where
  There are collection boxes at all Burlington Coat Factory stores, but other organizations in your community may also be collecting coats. Ask your parents or teachers or youth group leaders if they know.

Go check the back of your closet to see if you have coats that you won't be wearing this winter. Or you could go one step further -- organize a coat drive and get everyone in your school to donate their coats. Someone can definitely use them!

 

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Holiday Gift Idea

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

I love buying gifts for my friends and family, but it gets expensive. Luckily, homemade presents are better than anything you can buy. But OMG, the holiday deadline is coming really soon and I'm so busy! How am I going to make all those gifts in time?

Here is a cool idea: gift "coupons" with things you can make for the giftee all year long. It's genius if you think about it. You get to make amazing personal gifts from the heart, but you don't have to deliver the actual gifts until after the holiday when you have more time. The recipients can use the coupons like money to redeem all the amazing gifts you have planned for them.

Here are some ideas of what I will be putting on "Sonja Smackaroonies" for my friends and family.

• Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies
• Breakfast in bed
• Cat-sitting
• Movie night (candy and popcorn included)
• Unlimited free hugs (no restrictions or expiration date)
• Homemade, 3-course dinner

What about you? What are you giving to friends and family this holiday? Let us know your ideas in the Comments!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Operation Santa Paws

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

During the holidays, we try to help the less fortunate people in our communities, but what about the less fortunate animals? We can't forget the poor dogs and cats living in shelters! Many of them have been abused or abandoned and need our love and care.

Here's what you can do to make it a happy holiday season for an animal this year:

• Adopt an animal from a shelter. If your parents are looking to add a new pet to your household, instead of going to the pet store or a breeder, visit your local animal shelter and take home an animal who needs your love more than anyone.
• Volunteer at your local shelter. OK, getting a new pet is a huge commitment, so if you can't actually bring a dog or cat home to live with you, you may be able to visit the animals in the shelter. Your local shelter may need a dog walker, or someone to play with the kittens and give them the extra love and attention they need. Find out if your community has an animal shelter and ask your parents to take you there for a visit. There may be lots of ways you can help out there!
• Make a donation to your local shelter. Operation Santa Paws is just one example of an organization that sponsors a canine/feline toy drive to benefit less-fortunate pets this season. (Click here for their Wish List.) But you can help wherever you live. Purchase a new dog/cat toy or treat, and drop it off at your local animal shelter. The simplest toys can make the animals much more comfortable. Cats enjoy rolling toys, such as small plastic balls or other "batting" toys that can be hung from cage doors, while dogs prefer heavy-duty rubber chew toys.

I love reading your Comments to our past Kid Power blog posts because I know you guys are making a difference. Please leave a Comment and tell us how you can help make it a happy holiday for the animals in your community!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Kid Power! Toys for Tots Holiday Giving

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

The holidays are coming! Aside from staying warm and spending time with your family, it is a time to get and give gifts! But there are many children whose parents can't afford to buy them gifts this year. If you have a little extra money, you can help make it a happy holiday season for a child in need by donating to Toys for Tots.

• What
  Toys for Tots is a program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to deliver presents to needy children.
• How
  Buy any gift from this Toys for Tots Holiday Wish List and drop it off (unwrapped) at a Toys for Tots collection box.
• Where
  There are collection boxes at every Toys R Us and Babies R Us store, but there may be collection boxes at other places in your community, too.
• When
  Before December 6

If you don't have any money to buy something yourself, ask your parents to buy the gift and give you 1 less gift this year. It is a small sacrifice on your part that will make a huge difference to a needy child. When you are opening all your presents, you can think about the other person who is also having a happy holiday because of you!

Listen to your heart for creative ideas to help others, and remember that a little act of kindness goes a long way. Happy Holidays!

— Glory, Scholastic Intern (a.k.a. CupcakeChateau4)

Kid Power! Thanksgiving

Kid Power! Kids can make a difference! Every Thursday on Ink Splot 26, we'll show you a new idea for how YOU can make the world a better place.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not only do we get a break from school, but we get to spend time with our families. Some people will visit a soup kitchen this Thanksgiving, either as a guest or to volunteer to help serve. But, you don't have to go far to help during Thanksgiving. You can help out right at home. In my family, everyone is responsible for contributing to the feast. Whether your family has a large buffet-style Thanksgiving or a small gathering around the dinner table, you can still help out your parents.

Here are 5 ways you can help during Thanksgiving to show your parents you are grateful: