Summer Charity Projects for Kids

July 24, 2006 — -- There are many creative and inexpensive ways that young people can help others this summer.

Summer is also a time when charities need extra help.

Many young people across the country have helped support communities along the Gulf coast by raising money, sending clothing and toys, and even providing prom dresses for other high school students.

There are many corporations that have easy programs to help young people begin charitable projects, whether it's helping Katrina victims or other people in need.

Kids can get free lemonade-stand kits from the Sunkist Co.'s "Take a Stand" program. This fun program encourages kids to sell glasses of their homemade drinks to raise money for a charity of their choice.

Kids ages 7 to 12 can register at www.sunkist.com and submit their "Take a Stand" pledge to receive a free Sunkist lemonade stand, while supplies last.

Last year, Sunkist gave out more than 2,000 free lemonade stands to children. When children across the country saw the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf states, they used the program to raise funds for Katrina relief efforts.

Throughout the year, the "Take a Stand" participants reported raising an estimated $400,000 for hundreds of charities throughout the country.

Some companies reward youth volunteers through contests, such as the makers of Angel Soft bath tissue with their program called "Angels in Action."

Children and teens, ages 8 to 18, will be recognized and rewarded for executing exemplary acts of service to benefit their community, a charity or cause. Get great ideas for creative projects by reading about last year's winners on the Angel Soft site.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2006 program. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 1, 2006. Learn more at www.angelsoft.com.