Star Power: Avery Jenkins

Service Star Avery Jenkins, 11, started Avery’s Helpful Hair Kits. It’s an organization in Evanston, Illinois, giving foster kids with textured and curly hair access to products that help them look their best. TFK Kid Reporter Aubrey Lamirault spoke with Avery about her efforts.

What inspired you to launch this project?

When I was 6, my mom asked me if I could give some of my hair products to a child in foster care. While preparing the products, I gained a new perspective on hair. I saw how challenging it could be for some people to do their hair in a way that made them feel confident. Since I really love my hair and enjoy experimenting with different styles, I wanted any kid with hair like mine to have that same opportunity. I especially wanted foster kids to be able to try different hairstyles and discover what makes them feel confident.

How did you get started?

It started as a GoFundMe page. As support came in, the project grew, and we used the donations to create complete hair kits filled with essentials like textured-hair shampoo, conditioner, gel, and a detangling brush. Many foster kids might try to do their hair, but they might not have the right tools for their hair type. Instead of a detangling brush, they might only have a regular brush, which makes it much harder.

What’s your biggest challenge?

Running out of certain products. Sometimes, we get donations of one item but have to buy another, and the amounts don’t always match. That means we might run out of something during a packing party. At our most recent packing party, we ran out of shampoo.

What is the most fulfilling part of the work you’re doing?

The most fulfilling part is being able to give back and really help others. Even though I’m a kid, I know I can make a big difference. We get a lot of feedback from the facilities we donate to. After our very first donation, we heard that the kids ran straight to the bathroom to try the products and explore everything in the kits, which means a lot.

What’s next for Avery’s Helpful Hair Kits?

I think what’s next is doing more interviews and trying to grow the project even bigger. I really want it to become global.

What’s your advice for kids who want to solve a problem in their community?

Go for it, and really commit to your goal. If you can dream something and you work hard for it, anything is possible. I dreamed of this, I wanted it, and I worked hard to make it happen. I want other people to know that amazing things can happen if you follow your dreams, stay dedicated, and put in the effort.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.