Karma for Cara Foundation microgrant recipients have competed in an application process alongside other young people who have spearheaded exceptional service projects that benefit their communities. In order to qualify for a K4C award, an applicant must be 18 years of age or younger, and the project must take place in the US.
Who? Gabriella (17)
What? Shirts to Shelters
Where? Crofton, MD
Why? Gabriella created the project “Shirts to Shelters” with the intention of delivering handmade pet toys to a local animal shelter. Volunteers repurposed t-shirts and turned them into dog toys. Gabriella hand-delivered the toys and blankets she collected to Crofton’s Senior Dog Sanctuary.
| What inspired you to start this project? | I was inspired to start this project because I was researching online and found out some really disheartening statistics about companion animals in shelters in America. I did further research and learned that during the fall/winter seasons are when shelters are most in need for supplies and immediately wanted to take action. As vice president of the SGA at my school I knew I would be able to get many students to participate in a project like this so I figured why not! Also, I just really love dogs! |
| While working on your project, what surprised you? | While doing this project I was really surprised about how many students are not involved in service learning. This opened up an opportunity to get them to join the service learning portal and encourage them to come to more service club meetings. I was really satisfied with how many students wanted to participate and give back to the community with this project! |
| What do you feel you learned from this experience? | I feel as though I learned a lot about how others react to service projects. When advertising this project more people seemed to be interested when I told them how fun it is to come together and form a community of people who all love to give back. I was so excited when so many students showed up eager to participate! |
| How did Karma for Cara impact your project? | Karma for Cara greatly impacted my project. They provided the funding to buy the supplies needed for this project which were scissors and t-shirts! Without the help of Karma for Cara we would not have been able to go through with this project. |
| How will your project continue to impact others? | Firstly, the companion animals at the Senior Dog Sanctuary will get to enjoy the toys and essential supplies for a long time. Secondly, this project introduced many students to service learning for the first time! Everyone who participated seemed to really enjoy it and were very interested in joining Service Club and doing more service opportunities in our Crofton community. |
