Friends of Karen is proud of the many children in our communities who work hard on behalf of our critically ill children and their families. Here are some examples of how children of all ages like to help.

School-based: A school class organizes to collect baby supplies, paper goods or supermarket gift cards  for a family in need.

Religious School: A child dedicates his or her mitzvah or confirmation project to collecting goods or raising funds for Friends of Karen children and their families.

Birthday Gifts: Instead of birthday gifts, a child requests that donations be made to Friends of Karen.  

Seasonal: Children take an active role in making the holidays a wonderful time for our families who are struggling. 

• Children of all ages participate in our Holiday Adopt-A-Family program by shopping for and packing holiday gifts for our seriously ill children and their brothers and sisters.  It is always smiles all around!
• Many Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops hold Thanksgiving drives and donate much-needed items for the Thanksgiving baskets that Friends of Karen sends to our families.

Sports-related:  Teens Run/Walk for Friends of Karen at the Long Island Marathon.  Any sports activity -- swimming laps, a basketball hoops contest or just walking laps around the local track -- can be a fun and healthy way to raise awareness and funds for Friends of Karen families.

Coin Collection Programs: These coin collection programs show young people they have the ability to help others by the simple act of collecting coins. This active involvement in philanthropy and service feels good and truly makes a difference.  Here are some ways to turn coins into fun and meaningful projects.

• The Penny Harvest program, which began in New York City schools, provides school children with a wonderful vehicle to support Friends of Karen. Children collect coins and turn them into grants for community organizations.
• Pig Relay is a coin collection program for Long Island children.  They “feed their piggy banks” with as much money (dollars and cents) as possible. The plumpest piggy wins the contest!
• Kickin’ Coin is a coin collection program at any martial arts school that wants to participate.  Everyone can be involved - kids, parents, neighbors and friends, in collecting coins on behalf of Friends of Karen, then "jump-kick" at the chance to count up the coins!

Want to host an activity for Friends of Karen but don’t know where to begin?  

Contact:
Westchester Office:  Denise Tredwell, Volunteer Coordinator 914-617-4052

or

Long Island Office:  Patricia Conway, Community Affairs Coordinator 631-473-1768 Ext. 303