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On the 6th day of giving, offer help to homeless youth


December 18, 2012

As Arizona State University gears up to win the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Dec. 29, in San Francisco, the university is taking the opportunity to offer suggestions for 12 Days of Giving in order to make a big difference this season and celebrate the university’s outreach role in the community.

Day 6
Partner with an incredible kid to help homeless youth.

Zach Bonner was just 7 years old when he decided to collect water and supplies for victims of Hurricane Charley in 2004 with his own little red wagon.

A year later, he formed the Little Red Wagon nonprofit organization to help homeless and underprivileged kids at the age of 8. When he was 12, Bonner walked the length of the country to raise awareness about the plight of homeless youth.

Arizona State University joined Bonner’s effort to help homeless children through a backpack drive in October that benefitted Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development – an organization that provides services for underprivileged youth and kids who are on the streets. Over several days, the ASU community donated backpacks with the usual necessities, such as a small journal and pen, healthy snack, deodorant and socks.

“Phoenix was without a doubt one of the highlights of my 2010 walk to raise awareness of homeless youth. To have the opportunity to partner with ASU and Tumbleweed – one of my favorite organizations in the country – is awesome,” Bonner said.

ASU’s Changemaker Central partnered with the effort through its mission to develop and nurture students by providing the opportunities and resources to inspire student-driven social change.

“Students involved with Changemaker Central view problems as opportunities," said Allison Oaks, student leader at Changemaker Central. "Homelessness persists and is a prevalent issue within our local community. We see a bit of ourselves in homeless youth, which makes students that much more motivated and eager to become active in contributing to Zach's cause and to join his efforts in eliminating poverty and homelessness.

"It's humbling for students to be able to give back and provide more opportunities for those less fortunate."


Julie Newberg , julie.newberg@asu.edu
Media Relations

Natasha Karaczan, natasha.karaczan@asu.edu
480-965-6991
Media Relations