Teens raise thousands of dollars for kids through Make-A-Wish

People in Powell often pitch in to help one another. It’s easy to list a wide variety of ways folks help out in our community — Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic, Powell Troop Support, the Christmas Basket Program, the Backpack Blessings project and so on.

We’re encouraged to also see that spirit of compassion and generosity among teens in Powell.

PHS students heard their stories, saw their sweet faces and chose to make a difference for Daizy and Amani, who each wanted to go to Disney World in Florida.

For kids who have spent their days in hospitals instead of at home, on the playground or in school, Make-A-Wish trips can have positive impacts on their health. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength, and parents say the experiences benefit the entire family, according to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This is the second year PHS students have raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year’s fundraiser brought in an astounding $21,677, enough to grant three wishes through the foundation.

Make-A-Wish Wyoming grants more than 30 wishes each year, and PHS students have now helped fund five of them.

Local businesses and residents played a key part in the success of these fundraisers, but it’s also important to note that Powell High School students were responsible for organizing the events, seeking donations, spreading the word and contributing their own money to the cause.

Adults sometimes make remarks about “kids these days” and see them as a self-centered generation. Of course, teens today aren’t perfect, and there’s still much they need to learn.

But too often older generations only see the negatives in younger generations. You don’t have to look far to see local teenagers who break negative stereotypes.

Through the Make-A-Wish fundraisers and in other ways throughout the year, we are proud to meet teens who work hard, care about others and truly make a difference in their community.

Here’s wishing more people, both young and old, will follow their lead.