Inspired February 2015 Inspired February 2015 | Page 5

POCA
KIDS CHANGE
THE WORLD
The Children’s Museum recognizes youth
that make significant contributions and
create important projects to benefit others.
The Power of Children Awards (POCA) were
created in 2005 to align with the mission
of The Children’s Museum. The awards
were inspired by the museum’s influential
permanent exhibit, The Power of Children:
Making a Difference, which features three
extraordinary children who touched the
world in unique ways: Anne Frank, Ruby
Bridges, and Ryan White.
Each recipient of the Power of Children
Award will receive a $2,000 grant courtesy
of the Kroger Foundation to continue his or
her extraordinary work, a four-year postsecondary scholarship to a participating
institution of higher learning: Indiana
University-Purdue University Indianapolis,
the University of Indianapolis, and Butler
University and they will be recognized in the
museum’s The Power of Children exhibit.

Kaylin, 19
IUPUI
Indianapolis, IN
When I was 8 years old I went with my mother to help work a
local food pantry that my Nana and Aunt Pat ran. It was during
my time at the pantry I noticed children standing in line waiting
for food with their parents. I asked my mom an assortment
of questions about the children and their lives, one of those
questions was about their schooling. She told me that most of
the children could not afford something as simple as a notebook.
This is where the idea of Watts Backpack Baggers was created.
Watts Backpack Baggers is a non-for-profit organization
that donates gently used backpacks, school supplies, and
lunchboxes to local schools, pantries, and other organizations.
To get supplies, I have hosted talent shows, crafts shows, and
have had lemonade stands. It was through different activities
that my small neighborhood came together to raise money for
Watts Backpack Baggers. They have dedicated many hours
into collecting, cleaning, and distributing the backpacks and
school supplies throughout the Northwest Indiana area. Without
their contribution I would not able to fill the demand of so many
underprivileged children.
Watts Backpack Baggers started out with 2 backpacks with
enough school supplies for 50 children. It now donates to over
6 different organizations and helps over 500 children a year.

2015 Call for Entries

Are you, or is someone you know in Grades
6–11, making an extraordinary difference in
your community?
Winners receive:
• $2,000 Project Grant
• Partial Four-year Post-secondary
Scholarship to a Participating University
• Recognition in the Museum’s
The Power of Children: Take Action
AreaOnline applications only
atchildrensmuseum.org/poca
Application deadline:
Midnight, March 22, 2015

www.readinspiredmag.org

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