Toward the end of my sophomore year, I was asked to join a charity project to provide homeless people with umbrellas. A group of eight girls met at Chick- Fil-A and realized that there were far more important things that homeless people needed besides umbrellas. The number one reason people without homes or with financial challenges can not obtain a job is because they lack access to basic hygienic materials, such as soap or feminine products. As a result of our shock and disappointment in this fact, we decided to make a bigger difference by starting our own charity called "Take A Stand".

Our mission is to provide items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine products to those who can not afford them. We have recently worked with 7 Bridges to Recovery by providing not only hygiene-based products, but also art supplies, clothes, medical supplies, and books once a month. We also have collected monetary donations to purchase more items for 7 Bridges to Recovery in order to contribute to the rehabilitation of many lives. Through the year that we have spent building this charity, we have discovered that there is no better feeling than helping people in need.

In discovering this amazing feeling, we decided to share it with the rest of our school. Our group decided to start a club at South Forsyth High School that would work Beta Club and National Honors Societies to set up donation drives to collect more supplies. Throughout our entire crazy year with theatre, jobs, and participation in other clubs, our dedication to this club has allowed us to have so many opportunities to help others and check our own privilege.

The reason I am sharing our charity's story is to prove that you are never to young to make a difference. It is important to realize what is actually important in life and to try and help others whenever possible. Equality and love must be spread everywhere, but will remain stagnant if not given when necessary. People are people and everyone has a story, all that matters is if someone cares enough to listen to it.