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Eight-year-old launches Caring Kids Club
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Caring Kids Club members (front row from left), Jenna Madick, Mackenzie Riccitelli, MacKenzie Kelso, Madison Kelso, (back row from left), Jacob Madick, Elizabeth Keller of Canfield, Karlynn Riccitelli, Olivia Cmil, and Paige Keller smiled during their meeting to discuss upcoming events July 9.
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Neighbors | submitted.Founder of Caring Kids Club, Karlynn Riccitelli (left), smiled with her younger sister, Mackenzie, who is also a member of the club, which helps children who are ill at Akron Children's Hospital.
By EARTHA TERRELL
While some 8-year-olds are playing and enjoying their youth, Karlynn Riccitelli of Boardman made the decision to become a humanitarian and make a difference. She founded Caring Kids Club, which is an organization whose sole purpose is to aid children with medical issues at the Akron Children’s Hospital.
The club randomly chooses one child to sponsor, and through fundraising, donates the proceeds to help pay for medical expenses.
“When my daughter came up to me and said she wanted to help kids, we were all in,” said Karlynn’s father, Donny.
An avid reader, Karlynn was inspired to start a club after reading about them.
“I was reading a book about clubs and I wanted to start one. I wanted to help kids that needed help because I am a kid. I know I wouldn’t want to be sick and I don’t think it’s fair that other kids are sick,” Karlynn said.
Karlynn’s infectious spirit also motivated her younger sister, Mackenzie, and neighboring friends, Madison and MacKenzie Kelso, to participate. They immediately began sponsoring Gracie Gorby, who has a disease called Cri du chat syndrome. They raised $40 at a lemonade stand and raised more than $500 at a celebrity bartending event at Carmella’s Cafe, which was hosted by Karlynn’s father and State Senator Joe Schiavoni.
“I get to help kids and it makes you feel good. I had fun at the lemonade sale,” said MacKenzie Kelso.
What began as a simple idea to help others in need has now blossomed into a group of nine children. The club not only wants to raise money for children, but also wants to make sure each child who is sponsored knows that he or she is cared about and loved.
“Our mission is to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children in need,” said Karlynn’s mother, Kara.
The club is open to any child that wants to get involved. For more information on how to join, email CaringKidsClub@gmail.com or or visit the Caring Kids Club on Facebook.