BLOG: Kids Help Kids on National "Make A Difference Day"

"The Best Day Ever" is what one young volunteer said about his participation on national Make A Difference Day.  He joined 120 community members including Kids 'n Kinship mentors and mentees along with Cheerful Givers volunteers for a Birthday Bag Blitz with a theme of "Kids Helping Kids." This was the fifth annual event where the two nonprofits partnered to bring together volunteers who assembled 3,000 toy-filled birthday gift bags for less fortunate children in Minnesota.

One of the additional benefits of this event, along with allowing 3,000 parents to be able to recognize their child's birthday with a gift, is the learning that takes place among the young volunteers. Feedback included "I learned to give back" and "A lot of people working together can do a lot of good."

Special guests included Gianni Capuzzi, Miss Minnesota Collegiate, Haley O'Brien, Miss Minnesota America and Mary Scheele, Miss Global United.

Thanks to sponsors Thomson Reuters, who hosted the event at their corporate headquarters in Eagan, Think Bank of Eagan and the Southern Dakota/Scott County Chapter of Thrivent Financial.

To learn more, support, or to get involved with these nonprofits visit  http://www.kidsnkinship.org or cheerfulgivers.org.