Stars in Action

We love hearing from our Service Stars community. Thank you, Stars, for sharing your stories! What will you do next?

Aarika and Aashna, 10, Connecticut

Each week, we read to residents at an assisted living facility. We read kids’ books to the seniors. Once a month, we do theatrical readings. Our audience has grown from three seniors to 15 or 20. We hope to expand it to combat loneliness among local seniors.

Reagan, 7, South Carolina

From Reagan’s mom: Reagan is making a difference in this world. Her favorite annual project: making Easter baskets for children in group homes in our community.

Patrick, 16, District of Columbia

From Patrick’s dad: Patrick started Valentines by Kids in 2021. Students make Valentine’s Day cards, which Patrick collects and distributes to hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, and first responders. In 2021, it was just Patrick and his schoolmates. In 2025, more than 40,000 kids participated.

Ethan, 14, California

When I found out that millions of kids don’t have access to books, I started raising funds for book drives. So far, I’ve donated more than 7,500 new books to children in underserved communities.

JohnCarlo, 17, New York

My nonprofit, Letters with Love, has delivered 859 handwritten letters to 18 organizations and first responders. Our goal is to remind people they are valued and appreciated.

Phoenix, 8, Nevada

From Phoenix’s mom: Phoenix’s interest in giving back sparked an idea: She would purchase brand-new backpacks for children undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. Thanks to her efforts and the generosity of her community, Phoenix raised enough money to provide 192 backpacks. Her project brought smiles and comfort to young patients. She’s an inspiration to us all.

Harold, 15, New York

From Harold’s mom: Harold started organizing sporting events for mental health awareness. His nonprofit group is called Harold’s Hoops for Hope. Through it, he raises money and spreads an important message: “It’s okay to not be okay.”

Grace (left), 7, and Charlotte (right), 9, Texas

From their mom: My daughters, here with their younger sister, built a little lending library for their school. It’s called the Chill Nook. Instead of books, there are fidgets and other items to help students who are feeling anxious.