Karma for Cara Microgrants help fund exceptional service projects led by youth 18 and under working to better their communities. Read about our microgrant recipient, Nicole, a 17-year-old who collects toys, books and puzzles and then distributes them to Ronald McDonald Houses, assisted living facilities, cancer centers, Veterans associations and special needs classrooms.

1. What inspired you to start “A Game for You?”

When I was a little girl my mom was bedridden after an accident. The way we stayed connected was by playing board games, telling stories and building puzzles together. I want to help make a difference for others who are experiencing a similar difficulty. Board games and puzzles help stimulate confidence and cognitive function, and they help keep people pass the time when they are in pain. I give games, puzzles and books to hospitalized children, physically challenged children, veterans, the elderly and to low-budget school libraries. I began this program almost two-years ago and have delivered items to almost 6,000 people in the Denver area.

2. Why is your work important to you?

Volunteering helps me to stay grateful and make the world a brighter place. I have a responsibility in this world to make a difference in other people’s lives and not just live for myself. When my mom was sick so many people came to help us. They made a difference in my life when I was too little to realize. Now, as a teenager I understand the sacrifice that many people made for us for almost 5 years. I can’t not give. They are my inspiration.

3. How did the money from the microgrant help with your project?

First of all the micro-grant made a macro difference! When I walk into a facility with an armload of games and see the smiles light up and hear the gasps, It makes it all worth it. People are so grateful to receive such a happy gift and they want to open it and play it immediately. I was able to provide many more gifts than I could have given had I only had the gifts from the donation drive. Thank you!

4. What message of giving back do you have for others?

Everyone has a passion for something. I believe that finding a way to give to others through your passion will make your passion even more meaningful. I have a passion for writing. By giving journals to others to write in during their difficulty, I share my passion and help others at the same time. This is the key to having a sustainable service project. If you don’t serve within your passion, you can’t serve passionately!