A single act of kindness turned into a global youth organization. It all started on Christmas eve in 1989, Chicago, IL . Dreams for Kids founder, Tom Tuohy, and a dozen volunteers including Santa, delivered gifts and food to a children’s shelter, Clara’s House. This annual gathering, called Holiday for Hope, is now held in over 30 countries – the largest event of its kind in the world.
After that Tom began Extreme Recess when he met JJ in 1996, a young man paralyzed during a hockey incident. The program is dedicated to helping children realize and achieve their dreams.
In 2007, Dreams for Kids began its global expansion. Since its founding, Dreams for Kids have impacted the lives of over 28,000 children. Here are some of the lives they’ve changed:
“I can speak in front of a group of people! I can look at people with disability and see they are just like me! I accept people for who they are! Keep this program, and never let it die out! It’s strong like the people in it. I LOVED it!! When new [Dream Leaders] programs are starting up I would want to be there and tell kids my story and how it changed me! I just want to be a part of it!!”
–Diamond Watkins, Age 16“This summer Dreams for Kids came to San Diego. I had a great time playing wheelchair basketball. I would like to tell you how much you touched me. I will remember forever that you came to NSA. Now when somebody makes fun of disabled, I tell them, they are not disabled, they are able– able to do everything. Thank you for changing me.” -Heather, Age 10, Wisconsin
“For my birthday this year, I asked for donations instead of presents. So here are the donations ($250) for Dreams for Kids.” -Brendan, Age 10
Dreams For Kids currently has international volunteer abroad programs located in India, Uganda, Ghana and Haiti. I will be highlighting their projects from each of these countries around the world. Stay tuned if you are interested in volunteering and/or donating to projects in these countries.
