On May 1, just after school let out, 28 teens from Kane County communities and several adult chaperones gathered and left the LaFox train station around 4:40 p.m., each of them hopeful to make a difference, an impact and help touch a life.

The group is the Kane County branch of HumanaTeen, a relatively new, nonprofit organization created by teens to bring together teens who want to make an imprint on the world through service, fundraising, and outreach.

One of the participants, Katie Hood, said the May Day event was an incredible experience.

“We want to get involved and help create awareness for the homeless epidemic,” she said. “It was important for each of us to give back, and May Day was a great opportunity for us to get together and create bags to hand out to the homeless in Chicago.”

The teens came together the Sunday before May Day and brought various items donated to put together his and her bags. Included in the bags, were items such as homemade cookies, granola bars, fruit, feminine and hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue, cotton swabs, bandages, socks, a rain poncho, shirt, chapstick, ear plugs, hand sanitizer and and gift cards to McDonalds. Forty-two bags were handed out.

Today, (May 10, 2018), HumanaTeen will be attending a gala hosted by Facing Forward to end homelessness. Facing Forward provides permanent housing, education, advocacy and social services, and all proceeds of the event will be used to help end homelessness.

In June, the teens will be meeting with Facing Forward attending a two day clinic to learn more about the homeless epidemic and how they can each make an impact through their imprint.

SOURCE: HumanTeen news release

About HumanaTeen

HumanaTeen was founded in November 2017, just after the devastation in Puerto Rico. It was the perfect time for the teens to host service events to raise money for various causes.

The nonprofit was formed in Kane County by Izzy and Mia McFadden. It has grown significantly with new teens joining each week and even added its newest Chapter in Colorado.

“We have raised money for insulin to Puerto Rico, purchased gifts and necessities for Friends of a KCAC family in need, and we just took a group of 28 teens to Chicago on May Day to hand out essential needs bags to the homeless. This was an incredible experience,” Izzy McFadden said.

The focus is on service and the support of various causes throughout the year. It is the intent of the teens to grow awareness and open new chapters worldwide.

To learn more about joining or making a donation, visit Humanateen.org.