Friday, Februry 22, 2002
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Friday, Februry 22, 2002 |
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Coweta youth reaches out to help African youth When you get discouraged about "the younger generation" these days, here's a story that will give you great hope for our future and this happened before 9/11. Last summer eight-year-old Lindsey Ragan was watching TV when one of those heart-rending ads came on about helping children in other lands. The faces of the children tugged at Lindsey's heartstrings, and she wanted to make a difference. She ran to get a pen and jotted down the number of the Christian Children's Fund to share with her parents, Ricky and Sharon. They were touched by their daughter's desire to help, but explained to her that since the contribution was $24 a month, she probably would not be able to participate. For an eight-year-old on a weekly allowance dependent upon the chores she completes around the house, the sum of $24 is monumental. She was not deterred. Her parents then spelled it out for her. Not only would she have to be responsible for the large monthly payment; but since it would not be fair to make a commitment and then quit in a few months, if she was really serious about this, she would have to commit for a year. She thought it over and decided that she would work hard to help a less fortunate child. They sent off for the intro packet and received the picture back of Peter Phiri from Zambia, Africa. He was about the same age of Lindsey, and they started corresponding through letters. Peter was so grateful that someone his age on the other side of the world cared enough about his well being to help in this way. Lindsey quickly discovered that her weekly allowance would not add up to $24. A true entrepreneur, she contacted her grandparents and adult family friends to see what chores she could do in order to meet her monthly goal. She has washed dishes, vacuumed, dusted, picked up pinecones, and even set up a lemonade stand on Highway 16 to help her new friend Peter have a better life. Her parents have been filled with pride and heartbreak simultaneously as their young daughter monthly has handed them 24 one-dollar bills to send to Peter. They've broken down a few times and offered to help, but she insists on providing this money on her own. We have all, at one time or another, given money to some charity, but usually it's a few dollars that we can do without. Lindsey has given every dollar she makes, even when she could be building her own savings account or buying that occasional CD that she wants. Lindsey gives new meaning to the word "giving." So the next time you're driving down the highway and see a kid at a lemonade stand, stop and buy a cup or two. Quenching your thirst may truly quench someone's thirst on the other side of the world!
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