For as long as she can remember, Lana Anderson has been involved in her community. As a preschooler, she would make crafts for children as part of the National Institute of Health’s Thoughtful Treasures program. And as a middle school student, she was an active member of her school’s Difference Makers service club.
Those experiences fueled her passion for giving back. And now at 18, she continues to serve and encourage others through her nonprofit, Small Things Matter (STM).
“I started Small Things Matter as a way to empower younger children to serve and create lifelong habits of giving back,” said Lana, who is currently studying biology at the University of Maryland. “Our motto is kid-powered kindness for those in need.”
Small Things Make a Big Difference
Small Things Matter hosts several events and initiatives under three programs: a food distribution program, a literacy program and a crafting for charity program.
Through its food distribution program, STM provides nutritious grocery items to over 1,000 local families each month, totaling about 1 million pounds of food each year. “These fresh produce, dairy and nonperishable items allow families to feed their children healthy, delicious, high-quality meals,” Lana noted.
The Books for Bedtime literacy program provides new books to underserved children and their families in an effort to build a strong educational foundation.
Crafting for Charity gives children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to share their talents with those in need at children’s hospitals, shelters, etc.
Through these projects, STM hopes to nourish children’s bodies, minds and spirits and motivate youth of all ages to give back.
Lana’s work with Small Things Matter has been recognized by numerous government agencies as well as national organizations and businesses.
Thank you, Lana, for all you do to help improve the quality of life for others while being a positive role model for youth!
To learn more about Small Things Matter, visit www.smallthingsmatter.org.
Follow Small Things Matter on Facebook.
Empowered Flower Girl 