Teens found nonprofit to help others

By Christina Galeone | CFP Correspondent

During the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the light of compassion, kindness and thoughtfulness is shining through in the efforts of two high school students. Grace Donfield and Kara Moquin challenged themselves to find a way to give back to the community of Worcester where their school, Notre Dame Academy, is located.
Grace recalled, “It was difficult to decide who we were going to help during this time of uncertainty around the virus, since so many people have been affected.”
After several months of brainstorming, they ultimately decided that they wanted to assist the region’s young women and children who are struggling financially. It was also important to both high school juniors that they encourage people to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic.
 In August, with both goals in mind, they did something extraordinary; they founded a nonprofit organization. From Girls to Girls, which can be found at https://fromgirlstogirls.com, provides care packages to young women and children in need in the Greater Worcester area.
The care packages include health and safety-related items such as cloth masks, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene supplies and cleaning wipes. They also contain things such as gift cards, school supplies, bottles of nail polish, books and toys.
The nonprofit has been raising the funds for the care packages by accepting donations from supporters. And its co-founders recently sought an additional way to raise money.
Grace said, “We have a new exciting announcement; we will be selling our very own custom Pura Vida bracelets, right from our site!”
Kara said that the greatest challenge they’ve faced has been raising awareness about their nonprofit. But it’s not the only challenge. “As high school students, we didn’t know much about starting a nonprofit,” Kara admitted. “However, we were motivated and committed to making a difference.”
Although it’s not affiliated with Notre Dame Academy, the nonprofit is rooted in the school’s philosophy, as well as in Grace’s and Kara’s personal beliefs. Kara said that From Girls to Girls reflects their high school’s mission by “spreading love and support to everyone in the community.” She added that she and Grace were also inspired by the school’s philosophy of “treating everyone with dignity and respect.” And they hope to look upon the school’s mission as a guidepost on their journey to help some of the most vulnerable members of their community.
“We all differ in circumstances and choices, and it is important to remember that we are all equally valuable,” Kara shared. “Grace and I have similar beliefs, as we see so many people in the community blessed with gifts that they do not get to exercise. We believe that the world could be a better place if we helped those around us realize their potential and value.”
Looking ahead, Grace encourages people to tell family, friends and acquaintances about the nonprofit.
“My hope for From Girls to Girls, in the future, is to continue to expand the number of people that we are able to help,” Grace shared. “Currently, we have a small circle of people that have helped us with our mission, limiting the amount of good we can do. It is critical that we continue to expand exposure to our organization.”
Kara shares that hope. And she wants to reassure people who are struggling. “With what is currently going on in the world, it is important to remember that we are not alone,” she said. “If you are struggling mentally, physically or financially, there will always be someone to help. Grace and I are passionate about helping those around us, in order to make life even a little bit easier.”