Kids Doing Great Things in Lake Havasu

If you ever stepped into the St. Vincent de Paul Lake Havasu thrift store or participated in one of their holiday drives over the past three years, chances are you may have met Amanda, Alexa or Ashleigh.

The three sisters began volunteering at the pantry together with an overall mission of helping the less fortunate in their community. Sarah Thomas, general manager of SVdP Lake Havasu, says the teens have been an incredible blessing to the organization.

“These girls have hearts that want to give back and it shows in the way they volunteer their time,” she says.

From sorting and pricing thrift store merchandise, to running the cash register, planning promotions and helping to organize drives, the girls have done it all. Before they partnered with SVdP, Amanda (16), Alexa (16) and Ashleigh (14), say they had volunteered at different community events, but were looking for something new and long-term. Their mom suggested SVdP. It was a small decision, but one that has had a huge impact on those living in Lake Havasu.

“Sarah is teaching us how to run a business that benefits our community,” says Amanda.

In addition to volunteering several hours at the thrift store, the girls are also passionate about helping to organize the back-to-school and Christmas drives hosted by SVdP. Ashleigh, the youngest of the three, has found that her favorite project is the Christmas drive and she loves to hand out gifts to children in her community.

Over the years, Amanda has discovered that her passion is feeding the hungry. And Alexa loves participating in the back-to-school drive each year. Although each sister has found her own calling, one thing is certain…the community is at the heart of it all.

“We think it’s important to help those who are less fortunate because we never know when you will need help. It’s important to make one person’s life a little better if you can,” says Alexa. “When they pass it on it will only come back and improve the community.”

Amanda, Alexa and Ashleigh are exceptional examples to other teens in their city, and even across the state. We are continually amazed and blessed as we watch them, and countless others, provide compassionate service to those who need it most.

“I think it’s important for anyone of any age to volunteer,” says Sarah. To instill volunteering in our youth means they will grow up with a desire to help others. The youth are our future and without them, we couldn’t continue doing the work we do at St. Vincent de Paul.”