Twice a year, Christine's Hope for Kids (CHFK) selects a child or teen to be honored as a "Christine's Hero," a person who embodies what Christine, the organization's namesake, was all about: being kind to others, creating happiness and fun for everyone she knew and serving and assisting others who are less fortunate. CHFK recently announced its latest "Christine's Hero," Chloe Smith of Timberlane Middle School in Hopewell Township.
Jean Gianacaci, founder of Christine's Hope for Kids, right, presents Chloe Smith with a "Christine's Hero" award. Twice a year, Christine's Hope for Kids (CHFK) selects a child or teen to be honored as a "Christine's Hero," a person who embodies what Christine, the organization's namesake, was all about: being kind to others, creating happiness and fun for everyone she knew and serving and assisting others who are less fortunate. CHFK recently announced its latest "Christine's Hero," Chloe Smith of Timberlane Middle School in Hopewell Township.
According to CHFK, Smith has always held a special place in her heart for those less fortunate. It was apparent as early as age five, when she wanted to put her compassion for others into action and she and her older sister Samantha began their endeavors to help children with childhood cancer through the St. Jude organization.
She woke up early every day to bake blueberry muffins (since she deemed them good sellers) to earn money to send. It became a weekly endeavor over the following summers. At the end of each summer, she would put the money, coins and all, in an envelope and personally address it to the organization.
Smith loves to take part in anything that aids others. During the Thanksgiving season, she would assist handing out turkeys to the less fortunate families in Ewing with the PBA. She has made it an annual tradition to run in the Torch Run that raises money and awareness for the Special Olympics. Smith also loves to go to SAVE, where she walks homeless dogs.
"'Christine's Hero' is about recognizing ordinary kids who do extraordinary things to make a difference," said Jean Gianacaci, CHFK founder. "These are kids who enlist the help of other kids -- getting them involved in community service and giving back to the community. They give generously of their time and talent to help others."
Characteristics that make a candidate worthy of the award are: facing adversity or overcoming obstacles, getting peers and community involved with serving others and consistently and selflessly giving of his or her time and resources.
The notion of "Christine's Hero" started with one person sending CHFK a letter. In that letter, the person wanted to recognize someone who, they felt, emulated the characteristics so admired in Christine -- kindness, generosity, helping others, getting involved with community projects, helping at their church, just going a little above and beyond. So, the organization honored that person to be a "Christine's Hero," and the concept took off from there. To date, they have named 15 "Christine's Heroes."
Along with raising money to help underprivileged children, Christine's Hope for Kids promotes the message that each person has the power to make this world better through simple acts of kindness and basic respect.
Your donation to the 2015 Times Holiday Appeal will help Christine's Hope for Kids continue its mission to help kids in need in our community.
The Rose and Louis H. Linowitz Charitable Foundation has pledged to match the next $5,000 raised from contributors, challenging the community to be generous this holiday season. NJM Insurance Group of West Trenton has also pledged to donate $1,000 for every $5,000 contributed by the community and other business donors throughout the 2015 campaign.
To make a donation to support Christine's Hope for Kids, make your check payable to The Times Holiday Appeal and mail to Times Charities, Inc., 413 River View Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08611.
All gifts will be acknowledged in The Times. Anonymity will be granted, if requested.
For more about Christine's Hope for Kids, go to www.christineshope.org.
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