Kid Kare Project makes a difference putting smiles on children's faces

CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Every month WTHI-TV recognizes a group of people who are making a difference in the Wabash Valley. For the month of August, News 10 award a group of volunteers who help out families when times are tough.

This Wednesday News 10’s Brittany Earl presented the Make a Difference Award to the Kid Kare Project in Clinton.

Ashlay Wheat accepted the award for Kid Kare; she’s just one of the many volunteers who makes Kid Kare a success so groups of families have somewhere to turn to.

"If they didn't have this program then their children would have to go without certain items that they need,” said Wheat.

Rebecca Prouse, a Clinton community member, says she knows what it's like to be tight on money. That's why she relieves on the Kid Kare project when times are tough but she says it's the little things the volunteers do to make life easier, especially for her grandson.

“The 3-year-old, he really gets an excited when he gets new toys and when he gets a new outfit of clothes or something. It puts a great big smile on his face, he's got a smile from ear to ear,” said Prouse.

"That's what drives everyone here, we want them to grow up with a positive attitude, self-esteem the things that you need that are vital to grow up," said Wheat.

Wheat selflessly has been volunteering at the Kid Kare Project for 11 years. Numerous other volunteers have also worked years, dedicating their time towards Kid Kare.

"If it wasn't for Kid Kare they wouldn't get half of what they do for Christmas. It puts a big smile on all the kids’ faces,” said Prouse.

Wheat says, "We've had a lot of tearful moments too and it really does help."

The walls inside Kid Kare show just how much of a difference the program makes. One wall is covered with thank you notes from the kids they have served.

Wheat says, "It's really a great feeling, the little letters we get back are great they write to us or come up and run and hug us and thank us. It means so much to them it means a lot to us too."

A project that means so much too so many and dedicates it’s time to putting a smile on children’s faces also makes a difference.