The world isn’t always fair. Natural and human-made disasters misplace children. Some trapped in a cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, others are forced to work, instead of studying, to provide for their families.
You can change that today. You can donate to charities, join fundraising events, or be part of humanitarian efforts.
There are many ways to help. One of them is through the Yuda Bands Project. A movement that helps impoverished children finish their studies and train them to become a thriving member of society.
The Yuda Bands Project consists of committed, driven and passionate teenage volunteers. They’re young, but they know joining the Yuda Bands Project can make a difference. They want to give teenagers half way across the world hope, opportunity and chance for a better life. One of these passionate teenagers is Abby Mitchell.
LEARNING ABOUT THE YUDA BAND BRACELETS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH
Abby is a 12th-grade student from Jacksonville, Illinois. She found out about the Yuda Bands Project through her Interact Club.
Phillip Whiting and his team actively promote the Project. They go to assemblies, conferences, and meetups where student leaders meet. Abby’s Interact Club first learned about it in a Rotary District Assembly
“The Yuda Bands Project came to my Interact Club through one of our officers who attended the district assembly last year,” Abby said.
Many members of the Interact Club liked the idea. Abby loved it. She wanted to get involved as soon as she can.
WHEN COMPASSION, EXCELLENCE, AND DEDICATION COLLIDE
Abby loved the fact she knew who they were supporting. They knew who the student is, what kind of life they have, their hopes, dreams and so much more. It gave her a new sense of urgency and desire to help. Abby felt one Yuda Band Bracelet can make a BIG DIFFERENCE in that student’s life.
She signed up for the Yuda Bands project in October and asked for 400 bracelets.
They chose to sponsor Ellen Mandidzora, an 18-year old high school student from Zimbabwe.
Abby was part of the soccer team, cheerleading team and an active member of different clubs. She put them off for a while to prioritize the Yuda Bands Project.
The Jacksonville High School Interact Club started selling the bands at the beginning of November. Each member of the Interact Club had bands to sell.
“…we distributed a maximum of fifteen bands out to each member of the club. After giving them fifteen bands the first day, I had members contacting me that same night to let me know that they already needed more bands to sell!” Abby told us.
“After having everyone storm social media with pictures of the bands and the story behind them, everyone was wanting one.”
The early success was unexpected. Abby and her Interact Club had a hard time keeping up with the demand. But they were happy. Not simply because they sold bands, but because of the people who bought them knew why they were doing it.
Phillip Whiting, project manager of the Yuda Bands Project was pleasantly shocked and impressed with Abby and her Interact Club. They sold 400 bracelets within a week or two, even though there are only 900 kids in their entire school.
NO SUCCESS WITHOUT CHALLENGES…
Despite the overwhelming success, Abby, and her club also faced challenges.
“The challenges actually didn’t come with selling, but they were more about organization of who was turning in bands and who was turning in money,” Abby explained to us.
“If I could share one piece of advice with anyone considering selling Yuda Bands, it would be to plan ahead, make charts, and establish set turn in times and dates,” Abby added.
YUDA BAND BRACELETS: JOINING PEOPLE TOGETHER
The Yuda Bands project became a learning and bonding experience for the Jacksonville High School Interact Club. They learned valuable selling, promoting, and leadership skills. More than that, they developed into a better, coherent group while helping Elena.
“I really enjoyed being able to help Ellen out because I am aware of how fortunate I am to be able to go to school everyday, and I want every student to be able to have the same opportunities that I have,” Abby said.
Many students today don’t fulfill their potential because of unforeseen circumstances. They are forced to quit school, forget about education and work to survive.
We, at the YudaBands.org, don’t want to limit students. We help them fulfill their potential through education.
Be one of the volunteers to help today. You can give them a better, brighter future that they don’t even know possible.
Give them the opportunity to succeed, just like what Abby Mitchell and the Jacksonville High School Interact Club did for Elena Mandidzora.
Good job Abby!