Official Kids Mag

By Dave Woods | Official Kids Mag J asmin Henry knows that people are going without food in Northwest Arkansas. That's one reason she volunteers at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. "People having enough food is a problem," the 10-year-old fourth grader at Sonora Elementary School in Springdale said. "It makes me feel good. I like volunteering. It's important helping people to have the food they need." Jasmin's brother, Connor, 8, volunteers too. "It makes me feel happy that I'm helping people," he explained. "I put labels on canned goods and make snack boxes with cereal, Granola, fruit bars, crackers and peanut butter." Connor thinks it's never too early to get involved in your community. "It's cool to volunteer and help other people," he said. "I meet a lot of people there and Miss Trina makes it fun. I like her." Jasmin and Connor both volunteer for the right reason. To help those in need. But, volunteering does have other benefits. It helps them go to Camp War Eagle each summer. Their dad likes the outcome. "We wanted to make sure that someone as young as them can volunteer and help change the world," he explained. "It's nice it allows them to go to Camp War Eagle. One of the requirements of Camp War Eagle is they volunteer and help in the community. It helps them in both ways. They get to go back to camp and meet friends and play, and learn that they can make a difference in the world." Emily Lynn Burns, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Old High Middle School in Bentonville, loves volunteering. "I really enjoy volunteering," she said. "We pack boxes for seniors who can't afford or get to food. I volunteer Saturdays." Volunteering fills Emily with a positive spirit. "It makes me feel very proud," she said. "I just really enjoy volunteering. You're never too young to start volunteering. You can make a big impact when you volunteer. I can't imagine not knowing where my next meal was coming from. I enjoy volunteering because I know I can secure someone a meal." "Some of them still have a hard time grasping it," she said. "Until they've been hungry themselves, it's difficult to understand. Some kids are just more empathetic than others. In some kids you can really see it by the end of the afternoon. It has really hit home with them." Kids 14 years and younger need an adult with them when they volunteer at the Food Bank. Many kids enjoy the time they spend with their adult working in the community. "I think the NWA Food Bank is a good place to start volunteering," Trina said. "I can find a job for everybody. Even if it's just putting stickers on the outside of a box, taping a box up or handing products to people. I can find a job for everyone. It's one of those areas they can build their skills and, as they get older, see they are learning to interact with other kids and adults." While inspiring kids to volunteer and get involved in their communities, Trina still hopes to make the experience enjoyable. "That is my goal," she said. "No one has to be there. They are there because they want to be. I don't want it to be like a chore." 'It's never too early' Kid Heroes volunteer at NWA Food Bank to learn, earn War Eagle credit Go to nwafoodbank.org to learn more about the organization, its programs, volunteer, or find assistance. Jasmin and Connor Emily OFFICIALKIDSMAG.COM KID HEROES Off icialKidsMag.com • MAY & JUNE 2018 • 9

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