SERVENET VOLUNTEERING ARTICLE
YOUNG PEOPLE STEP UP TO KEEP AMERICA STRONG - STORIES OF EVERYDAY YOUNG
HEROES
Anthony Leanna, age 12, Suamico, Wisconsin. Anthony created "Heavenly
Hats" which has provided over 10,000 new hats to people who have lost
their hair due to chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Anthony was
inspired to start his program two years ago when his grandmother was
diagnosed with cancer and lost her hair during chemotherapy. He decided a
new hat might lift her spirits and "Heavenly Hats" was born. Anthony first
asked local businesses to donate hats, hoping he might collect enough to
help several hundred lpeople in the Green Bay community. Hats began
trickling in. Then Anthony realized he could contact hat and embroidery
companies worldwide via email. The hats came pouring in -- by the
thousands -- and from such faraway places as Australia. Anthony sorts the
hats and ships them (with money earned from doing chores) to more than 70
hospitals and clinics across the country. He also spends time speaking
with other kids in his community about the importance of making a
difference. "I started this project to putl a smile on the faces of people
going through a tough time," he tells them. "But I think I have put an
even bigger smile on my face by helping." Anthony was a 2003 Gloria Barron
Prize National winner.
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