Three Wishes for Ruby's
Residents and how other kids
can get involved. From "adopting" a resident
and sending them greeting cards, to giving a
donation small or large, to sending books (one
Kid Board member, Oliver – also Ruby's brother
– has collected over 1,000 books for residents!),
there are plenty of ways to help. Check out the
website to learn more.
The kids volunteering on Ruby's
board live in many different states
and find lots of creative ways to serve
nursing home residents.
Ruby explained, "Arsh loves to paint
with seniors in Iowa, and Ava Grayce
leads kids to volunteer at nursing
homes in Louisiana. Michael helps make
sure we're representing all cultures and
communities and is full of good ideas.
Delaney is a beauty queen and chose
nursing home seniors as her platform.
Sawyer loves to keep seniors busy and
entertained. Leo is phenomenal and helps
in South Carolina."
In every state and
community, people
can host a short-
term Three
Wishes project
called a pop-up
club.
"We'd like
to find a kid
leader in each
state," Ruby
said, "so if you
hear of anyone,
tell them to reach out."
What new things is Ruby up to? Her
current projects include weekly field trips
with local students to visit nursing homes and
Wish Wheels. The nonprofit now has a van to
deliver goods to area nursing homes. And, she
added, to make them "a happier place, we're
putting up huge canvas photos of kids and
pets on the walls."
Ruby's lucky to have a family of
cheerleaders for her cause.
"Her brothers, Oliver
and Max, are Ruby fans,"
said Amanda. "They've never been jealous or
made fun of her ambition. They support her
100%. Her dad plays a big role in her success.
He's the 'math tutor extraordinaire,' cook, taxi
driver, best friend and mentor. He helps Ruby
stay focused on being as good student so she can
continue her work in the nursing homes too."
Ruby has advice for kids who are inspired to
help people in need: "Take any free time you
have to do something good for your community.
It doesn't have to be big. Just get out and try it
one time. You'll notice it does something good
for your heart, too."
To read more about Ruby and Three
Wishes, her dozens of distinguished awards
and international recognition, her kid and adult
boards, humanitarian projects, and all the other
things she and her team are doing to change the
world, visit www.3wishesproject.org.
102 W. Stephenson Ave., Harrison, AR 72601
870-517-5353
Three Wishes Community
Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ruby's book "Kindness Is My
Hobby: How to Change the World
Right Where You Are" is available on
Amazon.
www.officialKidsMag.com • June 2023 • 27