Star Power: Ava Johnson

Meet Service Star Ava Johnson, 12. Ava organizes clothing drives focused on socks, underwear, and other essentials for kids in foster care. Her fourth annual fundraiser and donation drive took place on April 11 in Wichita, Kansas, on the anniversary of her adoption. TFK Kid Reporter Marvin Pierre spoke with Ava about her efforts.

What inspired you to make donations to kids in foster care?

I was adopted, so it just became my platform and my main focus. My work helps make sure that, every day, they get to have clean socks and underwear.

Why do you think it’s important for young people to help other kids?

Because we know what being a kid feels like, and we know how it would feel if we were in their shoes.

What advice would you give other kids who want to help their community?

Make sure you have a reason why you want to help—you’re not just doing it for the looks of it. When I started my event, I didn’t know it would become this big.

How else would you like to help kids in foster care?

I’d like to give a motivational speech. I’d probably tell them to never give up. I know that if I were in foster care and I were waiting to find a forever home, I would want someone to tell me not to lose hope.

What has been your proudest moment?

My sock and undies drive started on the street, in a parking lot, and now it’s this big event with around 150 people.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.