meet Austin
When Austin learned that some kids didn’t have warm winter hats and gloves, he decided to help. Learn about how he and his mom started Austin’s Closet, where they collect clothing, food and other items that local familes need. Thank you, Austin, for making a difference!
"Austin, he’s a great kid [and] he’s a great person...Other kids are seeing what he is doing and it’s really catching on."
Anne Tobias-Becker, Social Worker
Howe Elementary
"[Austin’s Closet] has evolved into a lot more since starting with hats and mittens. We created a Facebook page where Austin will post videos [requesting goods to fulfill the needs of families in the area]."
Jesse Turba-Beauchamp,
Austin’s Mother
meet Austin
When Austin learned that some kids didn’t have warm winter hats and gloves, he decided to help. Learn about how he and his mom started Austin’s Closet, where they collect clothing, food and other items that local familes need. Thank you, Austin, for making a difference!
"Austin, he’s a great kid [and] he’s a great person...Other kids are seeing what he is doing and it’s really catching on."
Anne Tobias-Becker, Social Worker
Howe Elementary
"[Austin’s Closet] has evolved into a lot more since starting with hats and mittens. We created a Facebook page where Austin will post videos [requesting goods to fulfill the needs of families in the area]."
Jesse Turba-Beauchamp,
Austin’s Mother
meet Matthew
Learn about how Matthew chose to pay it forward and raised money for the Hobart-Lawrence Police K-9 unit. His act of kindness inspired others in the community—and the state—to do the same. Thank you, Matthew, for making a difference!
"Paying it forward is when you do something nice for someone else, and then they do something nice for someone else. And it helps make the world a better place."
Matthew Vorpahl,
Fundraiser for K-9 Police Unit
"The support of the community that we serve is huge and the Vorpahl family really kick-started that."
Chris Tremel, K-9 Officer,
Hobart-Lawrence Police
meet Aubree
Learn about Aubree and how she makes blankets for sick veterans who are being transported on medical transfer flights. The thoughtful 12-year old wants to give something back to those who have given so much for our country. Thank you, Aubree, for making a difference!
"[The blanket he received] meant a lot to [my grandfather]... that someone was thinking of him and that there are still people out there who still recognize the sacrifices that [veterans] have made for our country."
Ben Gruber
Grandson of Blanket Recipient
(pictured, far right)
"This is a young girl who is doing something...this is our future."
Mark Bonovetz
Member, Desert Veterans of Wisconsin.
meet Aubree
Learn about Aubree and how she makes blankets for sick veterans who are being transported on medical transfer flights. The thoughtful 12-year old wants to give something back to those who have given so much for our country. Thank you, Aubree, for making a difference!
"[The blanket he received] meant a lot to [my grandfather]... that someone was thinking of him and that there are still people out there who still recognize the sacrifices that [veterans] have made for our country."
Ben Gruber
Grandson of Blanket Recipient
(picture, far right)
"This is a young girl who is doing something...this is our future."
Mark Bonovetz
Member, Desert Veterans of Wisconsin.
meet Lexi
Learn about Lexi and how she collects clothes for the homeless and raises money to feed those in need in her community. She created Lexi’s Love and Lexi’s Meals for Hope and is proving that a little girl can do big things. Thank you, Lexi, for making a difference!
"What we’re hoping is that by Lexi doing all of these things, that we’ll inspire other kids."
Brooke Ananiadis,
Lexi’s Mother
"I think there is nothing better than a child of [Lexi’s] age to start getting involved—start doing things—and getting other people involved."
Tiffani Krueger,
Chairperson, Evergreen
Community Initiatives
meet Lia
Learn about how Lia started the Hopeful Hearts Club to help kids staying at the homeless shelter in her community. She plans birthday parties, throws holiday celebrations and does so much more. Thank you, Lia, for making a difference!
"What Leah has done in four short years is amazing."
Erin Shultz,
Executive Director, Hope House
Manitowoc, WI
"My goal is to just make their day a little bit happier and brighter, and try to take their mind off the situation that they are in."
Lia Haile,
Founder & Fundraiser,
Hopeful Hearts Club
meet Lia
Learn about how Lia started the Hopeful Hearts Club to help kids staying at the homeless shelter in her community. She plans birthday parties, throws holiday celebrations and does so much more. Thank you, Lia, for making a difference!
"What Leah has done in four short years is amazing."
Erin Shultz,
Executive Director, Hope House
Manitowoc, WI
"My goal is to just make their day a little bit happier and brighter, and try to take their mind off the situation that they are in."
Lia Haile,
Founder & Fundraiser,
Hopeful Hearts Club
meet Amelia
Learn about Amelia and her dedication to helping nature and endangered species. She has raised funds for the World Wildlife Fund and has created a Nature Club in her community. Thank you, Amelia, for making a difference!
"When [Amelia] starts a project, she takes on that leadership role and kids gravitate toward her...She has confidence, she has courage, and she’s just a wonderful role model for all the other students."
Mary Berg,
Amelia’s 3rd Grade Teacher
"Amelia has always enjoyed working with animals, studying animals, reading books about animals and also about nature. Anything that has to do with conservation, being eco-friendly."
Sadie Nicolas,
Amelia's Mother
meet Alivia
Learn about how Alivia and her mother founded Hugs with Love. They make and donate weighted blankets fo kids with autism and related disorders.
Thank you, Alivia, for making a difference!
"Alivia, being 9 years old, and the ability for her to get involved in the community and make a difference, means all the world."
Jill Killian,
Past President of Monroe Lion’s Club
"Thank you to Alivia for creating a one-of-a-kind blanket for Shopko to donate! We are finding a good home for this special gift."
Pictured left to right: Crystal Henning (Alivia’s mother), Amie Kesler (Art Director, Shopko), Olivia Henning (Co-founder Hugs with Love), Michelle Hansen (PR Manager, Shopko)
meet Alivia
Learn about how Alivia and her mother founded Hugs with Love. They make and donate weighted blankets fo kids with autism and related disorders.
Thank you, Alivia, for making a difference!
"Alivia, being 9 years old, and the ability for her to get involved in the community and make a difference, means all the world."
Jill Killian,
Past President of Monroe Lion’s Club
"Thank you to Alivia for creating a one-of-a-kind blanket for Shopko to donate! We are finding a good home for this special gift."
Pictured left to right: Crystal Henning (Alivia’s mother), Amie Kesler (Art Director, Shopko), Olivia Henning (Co-founder Hugs with Love), Michelle Hansen (PR Manager, Shopko)
meet Stella
Learn about how this little girl is making a big difference and helping poor families in Guatemala. Thank you, Stella, for making a difference
"[Stella’s] passion, her drive and her dedication is more than I’ve seen in most adults."
Stephanie Bowers, Co-founder &
Executive Director, Jake’s Diapers
"It’s amazing that someone so young has such a dedication for wanting to give back."
Courtney Starry,
Stella’s Mother
meet Cole
Learn about how he raises money for pediatric cancer research through the Snowdrop organization and his kids-only race, Cole's Cancer Crusade.
Thank you, Cole, for making
a difference!
"Cole helping Scarlett
has been wonderful."
Danielle Tafelski,
Scarlett's Mother
"This entire event is Cole's
idea. It's his vision."
Brian Gruender, President &
Co-Founder Snowdrop Foundation
meet Cole
Learn about how he raises money for pediatric cancer research through the Snowdrop organization and his kids-only race, Cole's Cancer Crusade.
Thank you, Cole, for making
a difference!
"Cole helping Scarlett
has been wonderful."
Danielle Tafelski,
Scarlett's Mother
"This entire event is Cole's
idea. It's his vision."
Brian Gruender, President &
Co-Founder Snowdrop Foundation
