Three Metro Detroit kids have made a national name for themselves by doing good in the world, and their accomplishments will be celebrated in a new book series, Young Change Makers.
Written by bestselling author Stacy C. Bauer, Young Change Makers is a seven-book series featuring more than 80 trailblazing youth from around the world who are taking action to change their communities in positive ways.
Through this motivating and uplifting series, Bauer hopes others will be inspired to make a difference.
“This series is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “These kids are amazing and inspiring, and I am
hoping to use the series to inspire kids and adults to take action in a positive way and make the world a better place.”
The local kids include:
Padraig Baron, 8
Padraig began helping his community with his mother when he was 2. In 2020, his nonprofit Frugal on the Fly established “Free Food Fridays” and began passing out food to struggling families.
He inspired others to help and soon had a team of about 40 people who served anywhere between 1,500 and 3,500 families weekly. The team ended up passing out more than 1 million pounds of fresh produce in 23 weeks.
Bryce Toby, 12
After he lost his Aunt Esther to cancer, 12-year-old Bryce Toby spent years raising money for the American Cancer Society.
From kindergarten through fifth grade, he raised money for Relay For Life by doing a coin collection and selling footprint donation cards in memory and honor of those who have dealt with cancer. He has raised $4,225 for cancer research so far.
Alex VanHaren, 15,
After noticing that not all of his peers had proper outerwear at recess during cold days at Oxford Community Schools, Alex VanHaren went from knitting for his classmates to founding a nonprofit that makes and donates winter clothing to kids who are homeless.
To date, Scarves 4 Cozy Kids has donated about 4,000 hats, gloves and scarves for kids in Southeast Michigan in need of winter wear. In addition, Scarves 4 Cozy Kids has donated items to numerous charities by hosting a monthly collection of other specific items such as blankets, coats and school supplies.
Young Change Makers books are available for preorder here.
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I will be buying these books for my grandchildren when they come out! What a wonderful idea and we desperately need positive stories in the world today. Thank you, thank you and congratulations to those who have been chosen and are at their young age, already making a difference in the world. Bravo!!