Students share garden vegetables with homebound parish members

Kids can make a difference. Just ask Sydney Newell. Sydney, 11, began a project last year that has grown throughout her school and her St. Francis Xavier Parish. Sydney started a garden near her school to grow tomatoes, peppers, watermelon and other produce, which were shared with homebound members of the parish. Sydney and other students take their bounty to the homebound and spend time visiting with them. She was recognized by Kohl's Kids Who Care, a program honoring the volunteer initiatives of youngsters across the United States. She received a $50 gift card and a certificate acknowledging her efforts that have made a positive impact on the community. She and the more than 2,100 nationwide winners qualify for the chance to receive a $1,000 regional scholarship for post-secondary education. Of the more than 200 regional winners, 10 national winners will each receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a not-for-profit organization on each national winner's behalf.