Just like so many of our Kids Hope USA students, I love spending time with the mentors I have in my life. I’ve been lucky to have incredible coaches, teachers, and leaders who have shaped my outlook and worldview – just like Kids Hope USA mentors do for their students each week.
One of my mentors shared a key thought with me this summer around generosity. He said simply, “A gift should be transformational, not transactional.” I believe that each donation to Kids Hope USA is an opportunity for the giver to help transform the lives of children and mentors through loving and supportive one-on-one relationships.
When I think about that conversation, I am reminded of the quote by Henri Nouwen that says, “Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life . . . all of our life.”
I am optimistic that when people give to Kids Hope USA, they do so because they believe in this ministry and in the value of the mentor-student relationship. But most importantly, I pray that each gift is a God-inspired, transformational, humanity-coming-alive, moment for the giver. Because each gift creates the opening for transformation in the lives of children and mentors, schools and churches, families and communities.
As we celebrate God’s faithfulness through our first 25th year of mentoring, please be generous to Kids Hope USA, and make a gift that will be transformational for you and for the children we serve. This week, one generous donor will match the first $2,500 raised, dollar-for-dollar! We are grateful for you and so many others whose gifts help propel us forward as we serve more children in the years to come.
May your giving be transformational and may you know the impact of your generosity.
For the kids,
Kara Nguyen
Director of Development