Elissa R., 12
Kenssington, MD
Collected supplies for needy mothers

The 2007 All-Stars all have one thing in common. They discovered a problem, thought up a way to solve it, then put that plan into action - having plenty of fun along the way!
Our All-Stars helped out soldiers, new moms, stray cats and more. Read on to find out how they did it - and stay tuned for our November issue to find out how you can enter next year's contest!

One New Year�s morning when Elissa was five years old, she looked at all of the things she had and thought of all the people, especially mothers with little children, who had nothing. After talking to her mom, she made a list of things a new mother needs � books, a bottle, a bib, a blanket, socks and a stuffed animal � and began collecting them to give away to less fortunate families. Her program now has a name: The Baby Blanket Project � A Foundation from the Heart.

How did you first get the items for the packages?

Elissa: I wrote to family members and friends asking for donations so I could buy the items.

Elissa: I called hospitals and organizations that worked with the mothers, and my mom drove me and we delivered them. As I kept receiving more donations, I expanded the list of hospitals and organizations that I delivered the packages to. One of my Hebrew teachers has a friend who was from Israel, so I gave her packages to give to mothers there.

Elissa: I�ve gotten a few. I got one note from a mother where she drew a picture with a heart that said, �Thank you with all of my heart� and a picture of her and her baby. Another family of six sent a picture with a note from the eldest kid thanking me for the present for his youngest brother.

Elissa: If you have even a tiny idea that you think would help someone, people are definitely very receptive if you ask them for donations or help. And there�s not really anything in the way, other than a lot of hard work.