State Honoree

Jashira Bolden, 14, of Belleville, Ill., an eighth-grader at Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School, is the founder and CEO of an organization that conducted a series of fundraisers to benefit five homeless shelters in East St. Louis. "I decided to raise money for the less fortunate because I knew that everyone didn't have the funds to provide for themselves," said Jashira. That reality became apparent to her one Christmas when she noticed that several charities were seeking donations to buy gifts for poor families. "God has blessed me abundantly and I would like to share His blessing with others," she said.

Jashira discussed her desire with her parents, and then began planning fundraising activities. Her first effort selling partnership cards from Krispy Kreme raised $250, which she used to purchase bath sets for homeless adults and toys for their children. Next, she collected more than $1,000 from a variety of donors and put together 70 Easter baskets for residents of three local shelters, containing soap, towels and other items. The following year Jashira organized a fundraising dinner, and last year raised money by hosting a fashion show. With the help of some corporations and others, a recent fashion show and banquet Jashira hosted raised over $4,000 to help local shelters. With her proceeds, she has provided food and gifts to shelter residents, and she has even helped pay some of the shelters' bills.