Kids Helping Kids Through Philanthropy

Each New Year, resolutions inspire people to vow to lose weight, strive to become eco-friendly, or aim toward another personal objective. For three ambitious youths in Central Florida, helping children in need continues to top their individual resolution goals! In fact, these go-getters embody such passion that they all founded non-profit organizations to further the mission of their respective causes. Orlando Family Magazine salutes these young, remarkable, and philanthropic entrepreneurs!

JORDAN THOMAS FOUNDATION

Founder: Jordan Thomas, 23 years-old

Mission: To provide children affected by limb loss with the prostheses they need throughout childhood and to serve as a caring resource, advocate, and support system for them and their families.

How It Started: After losing both of his legs in a family boating accident, then 16-year old Jordan discovered a need to help others who were also impacted by limb loss. During his hospital recovery, Jordan formed the foundation in an effort to help children whose families did not have the financial means with prostheses essential for a happy, youthful life.

Presently, the Jordan Thomas Foundation equips seven children with the prostheses they need to stay active (through the age of 18). “The foundation contributes about $100,000-$120,000 per child,” said Janet Jobe, the Jordan Thomas Foundation director. The Jordan Thomas Foundation also partners with a clinic in Haiti to help provide eight to ten prostheses per month to children affected by the earthquake. “We received emails from around the world when that disaster happened in Haiti. It was then that we realized that we were THE resource for prosthetics for children,” said Janet.

Ways To Help:

• Word of mouth: Share the mission by telling others about Jordan’s story! Refer those in need of pediatric prostheses to info@jordanthomasfoundation.org.
• Volunteer: Janet says, “We have a great volunteer base that helps us during our annual Low Country Boil and Golf Tournament. Many people across the country support the foundation through other efforts as well ─ like soliciting funds while participating in a marathon, and student groups collecting coins in their classrooms. There are lots of ways that people help us out.”
• For more info, visit www.jordanthomasfoundation.org
  or call (423) 622-9006.

Jordan’s Message: “A traumatic injury resulting in limb loss is not the end of anything; but rather the beginning of a new way of life ─ an opportunity to overcome adversity and to become a better person. With adequate hard work, determination and support, those dealing with limb loss can realize the endless opportunities that await them,” said Founder Jordan Thomas.

TOYS FROM TYLER

Founder: Tyler Youtz, 12 years-old

Mission: To provide children who are battling illnesses with gifts and joy during their hospital stay.

How it Started: In 2005, then 5-year old Tyler was fighting (and later beat) stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that forms in nerve tissues. During his treatment, he decided to bring a toy to his friend who would be spending the Christmas holiday in the hospital. “That year, Toys From Tyler began with eleven toys and the effort has continued to grow each year since. Tyler personally sets the goals to help other kids who have been impacted as he was and we’ve ALWAYS achieved those goals,” explains Tyler’s mom, Angela Youtz. In 2011, Tyler gave 2,025 toys to pediatric patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital!

Tyler’s good deeds have earned him impressive honors, including: the David R. Roberts Youth in Philanthropy Award, the Kohl’s Cares For Kids Scholarship, News Channel 13’s Central Floridian of the Week, named Magic Maker for the Orlando Magic, earned an honorary membership to the Guys With Ties non-profit, and received the Disney Dreamer & Doer Award for Odyssey Middle School.

Ways To Help: 

• Toy donation: Angela says, “You can help by donating toys or gift cards. It’s best to select toys that a child can play with while sitting in a hospital bed.” Presents are mainly distributed during the holiday season, but also throughout the year.
• Lend a hand: Volunteers are always needed at the annual wrapping party to create colorful packages.
• For more information, visit toysfromtyler.com or email angelayoutz@yahoo.com.

Tyler’s Message: “I started Toys from Tyler by asking my mom if I could bring a gift to my friend, Joey, because he would be spending Christmas in the hospital. But we decided instead to bring one toy for each kid on the oncology floor that year. I decided to keep doing it because it feels right,” said founder Tyler Youtz.

JUST 1 BOOK

Founder: Sarah Dewitz, 13 years-old

Mission: Donate books to needy children, community programs and schools so every child can learn to read and enjoy their imagination.

How It Started: Just 1 Book began when Sarah was a 10-year-old 4^th grader at Cypress Springs Elementary. One morning, Sarah’s mom, Sharlene, shared a newspaper article highlighting the financial struggles of Bithlo, a community in East Orange County. “Even though the article didn’t say that the children needed books, I figured that, if families were struggling with everyday bills, then the kids might not have books. This was how I wanted to help,” said Sarah.

Sarah put together a proposal for her principal, Dr. Ruth Haniff, to gain support. “I asked if every child in my school could bring in “Just 1 Book” for the community center in the Bithlo area. Dr. Haniff agreed, and that is how it all started,” recalls Sarah. Since the creation of Just 1 Book, the foundation has collected and distributed over 100,000 books! “The book drives have become such a great success that we don’t count anymore. Since Just 1 Book received a donated bookmobile from Orange County, we can now reach even MORE children who are in need of books.”

Ways To Help: 

• Collect books: Individuals or groups can host book drives.
• Bucks for books: Sarah says, “All donations go back to running our bookmobile and to distribute books to kids.”
• For more information, visit just1book.org or call (407) 489-1708.

Sarah’s Message: “As a baby, I was always read to by my parents and my big brother Danny. I enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to read more and more. I was able to read by age three and have been enjoying it ever since. I could not imagine a child not having a book to read. I think all children should have a book in their hand to bring a smile to their face. That is why I started Just 1 Book,” said Founder Sarah Dewitz.