Summit teen starts program to help needy children

FRISCO — Kristin Anderson’s vision to bring joy to-less fortunate children began in fifth grade. Now, the 13-year-old eighth grader is days away from her first program to help needy kids at Child to Child — a carnival-like fair at Denver Children’s Advocacy Center Saturday.

Anderson, along with 18 student volunteers at Summit Middle School, will take a bus to the center where they’ll distribute gifts and run numerous games and art projects. Denver Children’s Advocacy Center’s services include children’s counseling, therapeutic work and family resources.

“I can’t remember when I exactly thought of it,” said Anderson, an animated blonde wearing a neon-colored sweatshirt and Ugg boots. “I’ve always just wanted to help kids that are less fortunate and with disabilities.”

On Wednesday, Anderson and her volunteers gathered in the middle school’s art room to make T-shirts to wear at Saturday’s event. The petite girl took control of 16 other kids, helping with them with decorating ideas, discussing each volunteer’s responsibilities for Saturday and even getting her hands covered in Puffy Paint.