This charity gives teens $1,000 cheques to deliver to those in need
Hoping to inspire "the next generation of givers,” this charity is focused on spreading joy by empowering people to do so themselves.
The VING Project is once again handing out $1,000 cheques to hundreds of teenagers across America, who in turn pass the money to coworkers, friends, strangers — or any “kind person in need” not in their family.
Over the course of the last six years, the charity, co-founded by Groupon founder Liz Lefkofsky, has donated hundreds-of-thousands of dollars to teens who show the willingness and desire to improve the world around them. In April 2020 alone, the VING Project gave away more than $250,000 to be distributed throughout communities across the United States.
Lefkofsky told WGN-TV that she “hopes of giving teens their own special philanthropic experience which they will never forget.”
“Those kids 10, 15 years from now, they will remember that they got to do something powerful and impactful in a crazy difficult time,” she said.
According to the foundation, any U.S. resident between the ages of 14 and 18 is eligible to receive a cheque to give away. They then choose to nominate someone outside of their family who is in need of financial assistance.
The applicants then must record and submit a short nomination video, and those chosen will receive the $1,000 — which they must be able to deliver in person to their nominee of choice.
Preston explains why he chose his bus driver to receive the monetary award from @VINGproject pic.twitter.com/xRL00rF6Sq
— BellmoreMerrickCHSD (@bmchsd) June 22, 2020
When Makhalia heard about her opportunity to VING, she knew she wanted to nominate her co-worker, Fredrick, who's been working hard throughout the pandemic even though he's immunocompromised. https://t.co/ShUOlU5uOF #VINGproject #VINGinTennessee #give
— the VING project (@VINGproject) June 17, 2020
Lefkofsky says the coronavirus pandemic has brought out the best in many of these teens and added how inspiring it is to see the nation’s youth so willing to help out when so many need it.
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we realized how this program had the potential to help people now more than ever,” Lefkofsky told CNN.
“We are in awe of the incredible teens from across the country who have been sending us videos and helping out people they know. Especially during this difficult time it has been wonderful to give teens a way to help others and we have no plans of slowing down any time soon,” said Lefkofsky.
The VING Project is not yet putting a limit on how much money it will be giving away.
“It is our hope that through simple acts of giving, Generation Z will change the world.”
More of What’s Good:
