Brooklyn Center teen is one of five young people in the nation being honored as one of 2008’s “Most Caring Americans.” Ashlee and four other young adults will be honored at the annual induction ceremony on April 7th, 2008 at the Frederick Douglass Museum & Hall of Fame for Caring Americans in Washington, D.C.. Most recently, Ashlee’s founded an African chapter of “Kids for a Better World.”
Read more... See video ...Also see Smiles for a picture of children at the new Kids For A Better World Child Development Center in Liberia!

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Ashlee Kephart who started her first project at age 9, leads when there’s a need. Her passion for volunteering began in 3rd grade, when she started working on “Nurse Nancy’s Wish List,” an effort to collect supplies for her school nurse. That was just the beginning…

When Ashlee was 11 years old, she gave the gift of music to some very sick kids through a program she called "Music From The Heart." Ashlee, an avid musician, wanted to play violin at the Ronald McDonald house"...so the kids could enjoy the healing effects of music." But she was too young to volunteer. Since she couldn't go inside, she sent the music in without her. She collects and donates CD players, recorded music, even karaoke machines. As a result, the Ronald McDonald House now holds karaoke parties for its patients.

In her young life, Ashlee has already volunteered more than 5000 hours and collected thousands of dollars in donations. Shes always thinking about new efforts like her "Walk In My Shoes" program where she hopes to collect new shoes for kids in need. Along with all of this, Ashlee still spends countless hours playing her violin at nursing homes and senior centers. Why? "Music breaks down barriers and heals communities one heart at a time."

Hear audio from an interview of Ashlee & her mom on the Delilah Show on WLTE Radio - 2005.

I would like to thank all who donated to our Connecting With Africa programs. We filled two 40 foot containers, one sent fall of 2005 to Kenya and one May 2006 to Liberia, filled with caring bags, clothes, toys, books, household items, furniture, computers, appliances, and even a vehicle. In the spring of 2009 we sent three large barrels full of school supplies and books to the Kids For A Better World Child Development Center in Liberia which was opened in January 2008. The Center is currently serving over 400 children and more school supplies are needed as well as funding for another building so no child is turned away. We hope to send barrels filled with supplies twice a year; by the end of the year and in the spring. If you would like to donate items or help with the cost of sending these items, (cost of sending a large barrel is around $250), Send donations to...

*Kids of all ages can help send barrels full of school supplies through our "CHANGE FOR CHANGE" program. Kids can collect coins to help change the lives of the children in Africa by putting jars in businesses, churches, schools or ask for change when they go trick or treating. We will recognize all contributions on the website, and we welcome pictures of you with your cans. Our goal is to raise $750 to send 3 barrels.

*We also have a new sponsorship program where you can sponsor a child for $35 a month or a one time gift and you will receive pictures of your sponsored child and get updates and letters from them.

Most recently, Ashlee’s founded an African chapter of “Kids for a Better World.”
Read more... See video ...Also see Smiles for a picture of children at the new Kids For A Better World Child Development Center in Liberia!