Last fall, when Eden Axler and Elana Spiegel, both 15, participated in a walk-a-thon in Downtown Atlanta, they could not help but notice the homeless men and women on the streets. Inspired to give back, Axler and Spiegel went to the nearby McDonald’s and purchased 15 ten-dollar gift cards and distributed them among the small group.
“They were so grateful for this small gesture that we realized that we could something more to help,” said Axler. The teens launched Cardz for a Cause serving a mission to provide grocery and restaurant gift cards so that those in need can obtain food.
The nonprofit launched its first distribution in February at Shearith Israel Women's Night Shelter in Atlanta. "To see these young girls be aware of homelessness, poverty and take leadership towards these issues is truly encouraging," said Director Sallie Weddell.
To continue with their mission, the nonprofit hosted a Jump-Rope-A-Thon Fundraiser on April 22 at Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody to raise money to purchase grocery and restaurant gift cards. The cards, in $10 increments, will be distributed to Red Shield Service- Salvation Army Family Shelter, Genesis Shelter, and Wilderness Works. The organizations are chosen by the all-teen board. The fundraiser raised approximately $1,000 which will allow Cardz for A Cause to purchase 100 gift cards for the charities. The teens will visit the shelters to volunteer and distribute them personally.
Spiegel added, “We have privileged lives, and it’s a humbling experience to know that this small gesture is helping someone in need.”
Axler and Spiegel hope to expand Cardz for A Cause to include churches, synagogues, schools, and youth-affiliated groups to encourage kids to give back.
To get involved with Cardz for A Cause, visit www. cardzforacause.org
In Other News: The South Atlanta Association of Health Underwriters raised $2,500 through a golf tournament benefiting The Children's Village at Christian City. The money help abandoned, abused, and neglected children who live in the cottages at The Children's Village.
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