Inspiring Stories That Make A Difference 2 - Nick Katsoris - E-Book

Inspiring Stories That Make A Difference 2 E-Book

Nick Katsoris

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  • Herausgeber: WS
  • Kategorie: Ratgeber
  • Sprache: Englisch
Beschreibung

The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation unites and empowers over 150,000 children in 30 countries worldwide to make a difference, through their voices, for causes they are passionate about. Join us in reading these Inspiring Stories from children and young adults across the globe, who are indeed changing the world, one good deed at a time. 


Over 125 authors are represented in this book from 30 countries and over 60 cities worldwide. 


This Loukoumi Good Deed movement has children making a difference for animal and homeless shelters, nursing homes, the environment, through sports and the arts, and other causes of interest to them. In their own voices, these children are changing the world, one good deed at a time. The result is that these children are also building self-esteem, improving their mental health, finding their purpose and overall happiness. 


The Loukoumi Good Deed Curriculum is part of over 300 schools worldwide, through in person good deed delegations to schools around the world, and virtual programming with a Good Deed of the Month Zoom program and an International Good Deed Council where students collaborate on global good deed projects including students at schools in Greece, India, Northern Ireland and the UK, Italy, Germany, Ecuador, Tanzania, Uganda, Spain, Honduras, Puerto Rico, across the United States and Newfoundland Canada.


The Foundation also sponsors The Loukoumi Foundation Treatment Room at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a teaching kitchen for the homeless at the Floating Hospital in New York City, after school programming at New York City Schools through the Variety Boys & Girls Club and the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, the Make A Difference with Loukoumi Exhibit at the Westchester Children's Museum and a Never Forget Letter Mailbox outside Town Hall in Gander Newfoundland Canada for families who lost loved ones on 9-11.

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Seitenzahl: 284

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

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DEDICATION

To our inspiring authors, follow every open door, believe in yourself, do what you love, and use it to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

To all the educators for believing in the ripples of kindness which are changing the world, one good deed at a time!

Published by Hybrid Global Publishing and NK Publications, Inc.

Copyright © 2025 by The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation, Inc. and Nick Katsoris. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. Manufactured in the United States of America, or in the United Kingdom when distributed elsewhere, as well as countries worldwide.

Katsoris, Nick

Inspiring Stories That Make a Difference 2 by Over 125 Kids And Young Adults From Around The World

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-961757-95-0

Paperback Book ISBN: 978-1-961757-94-3

eBook: 978-1-961757-96-7

Cover design: Joe Potter

Copyediting: Claudia Volkman

Front cover image design: Effie Samios, James Petroff

Special thanks to Sophia Benitez

Nick Katsoris headshot by Jillian Nelson

www.loukoumifoundation.org

All proceeds from this book will benefit the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation.

PRAISE FOR LOUKOUMI & INSPIRING STORIES

A compendium of compassion by can-do kids who encourage others to share some love.

—Kirkus Reviews

It was really special to narrate Loukoumi’s Good Deeds not only because of how inspirational it is for kids, but because it was an opportunity to work with my dad. I also loved that it was supporting a personal cause of mine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I am thrilled that the Loukoumi books are continuing to make a difference in the lives of children.

—Jennifer Aniston

For me the most wonderful thing is to make someone smile, and these Inspiring Stories are guaranteed to make children smile all over the world.

—Gloria Gaynor

Loukoumi the lamb inspires a Good Deeds Movement, encouraging children to make a difference.

—Points of Light

The Loukoumi series of books has been wonderful for kids and parents alike. They each have an inspiring message. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is honored to benefit from this project.

—Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Both Loukoumi and Come From Away inspire us to do good, to be better. Together they can change the world, and I am honored to advocate for this wonderful project.

—Nia Vardalos

Through his nine-book children’s series and the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation, Nick Katsoris has inspired over 150,000 children in thirty countries around the world to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others through projects and causes they are passionate about.

—Crain’s New York Business

From candy to a character!

—The New York Times

Great Ideas!

—PEOPLE

Teaches Kids You Can Make Others Happy By Doing Something Nice!

—Entertainment Tonight

A Message For the 21st Century!

—NPR

A fluffy little lamb that just wants to make the world a better place!

—CBS News

ABOUT THE LOUKOUMI FOUNDATION

The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation is a nonprofit organization empowering more than 150,000 children in thirty countries across the globe to make a difference through projects and causes they are passionate about.

Inspired by the acclaimed nine-book children’s series by author Nick Katsoris, The Loukoumi Foundation embodies the values of the lovable lamb “Loukoumi,” named after the iconic candy. The book series, narrated by renowned celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor, Nia Vardalos, Bob Costas, Nancy O’Dell, Alexis Christoforous, Constantine Maroulis, Frank Dicopoulos, and Morgan Freeman, imparts essential life lessons to children ages four through eight, focusing on kindness, empathy, anti-bullying, environmental awareness, and career aspirations.

Expanding upon these foundational principles, The Loukoumi Foundation actively engages with children and young adults, ages five through eighteen, encouraging them to create positive change in the world, one good deed at a time. Our Good Deed Curriculum, implemented in more than three hundred schools globally, incorporates both in-person and virtual learning experiences. Through the Loukoumi International Good Deed Council of Schools, students from around the world connect on monthly council meetings and host Good Deed of the Month Zooms, where they share their cultures and customs and collaborate on global good deed projects together.

The students engage in meaningful projects where they take action and make a difference in the world, making philanthropy fun, not forced, and a lifelong endeavor. Our Loukoumi Good Deed Buses also travel to cities around the world. Children visit animal and homeless shelters, children’s hospitals and nursing homes, clean beaches and parks for the environment, make a difference through the arts and sports, and whatever other projects the students, through their own voices, wish to do, using what makes them happy to make a difference in the lives of others.

The result is that the recipients of the good deeds surely benefit, but so do the students, as doers of the good deeds, with increased self-esteem and improved mental health, thereby achieving purpose in their lives and overall happiness. This carries over into all aspects of their lives, including making them better and more focused students.

The Loukoumi Foundation sponsors the Loukoumi Foundation Treatment Room at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a Teaching Kitchen at the Floating Hospital in Long Island City, New York, an Exhibit at the Westchester Children’s Museum, a Never Forget Letter mailbox in Gander Newfoundland Canada for families who lost loved ones on 9-11, and a Dream Day contest granting children the opportunity to live a day in their dream careers.

Get your school involved or join our Loukoumi Kids Club and meet other children and young adults across the globe.

For more on The Loukoumi Foundation, please visit:www.LoukoumiFoundation.org

LOUKOUMI

@Loukoumifndn

The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation, Nick Katsoris

#Loukoumifoundation

Contents

Introduction, Nick Katsoris

The Girls Network, Olivia Abbasi

Helping Others and Changing the World, Nizhoni Almeida

Helping Others, Nylah Almonte

A Passion for Aviation, Amelia “Mia” Anderson

Little Acts of Kindness for the World, Arrow Arkin

Changing the World: Little by Little, Ellianna Baez

One Journey, Countless Lessons, María Fernanda Bendezú Ramírez

Gander Good Deeds Bus Tour, Bree Beson and Emma LeCoure

“Never Forget” Letter Mailbox, Bree Beson, Emma LeCoure and Christopher Hillyard

I Enjoy Loukoumi, Claire Bolduc

I Want to Be in the Army!, Alan Bonilla

For Matthew Sargent, Lucas Bown, Ryan Burry, Ty Roberts, and Blake Sheppard

My Dream for the World, Josephine Brassey

Making a Difference in My Community, Brianna Brown

Believing In and Finding Your True Self, Olivia Calo

On a Hot Summer Afternoon, Emma Cappellini

A Kind Gesture on a Winter’s Day, Autumn Carew

Hopes and Seams: Twin Sisters Making a Covid Difference, Amelie and Sophia Clarke

My Love for Helping Homeless People and Animals, Chase Colantonio

My Experience with the Loukoumi Foundation, Julian De Santiago Perez

Special Moments, Nicholas Joseph DeGennaro

ROAR!, Francesca Dimagiba

Youth to Youth, Olianna Dimitropoulou and Iliana Lyssaios

Play to Read, Athena Faragi

The Story of a Homeless Man, Mason Feliberty

A Life of Service, Daniela Fogliano

For Megan Piercey, Chloe Ford, Anna Gill, Quinn Randell, and Kaitlyn Saulnier

Making Someone’s Day Easier, Amy Frias

The M.a.m.azing Cleaning Crew, Marios Galanis, Apostolis Pouliopoulos and Thodoris Stribinos

A Surprise for Francis, Logan Georgelas

Being Inspired to Help, Coran Gillespie

Making Good Choices, Fay Gio

Inspired by Theater, Molly Gleeson

From Paris to New York, Octave Godin

Good Deed Bus Tour, Penelope Gountanis

Combating Food Insecurity and Waste, Misha Gujja

Being Helpful to Make a Difference, Tarik Heljic

Kindness to the Elderly, Sebastian Zahid Hernández Guzmán

Organizing a Halloween Market, Rosie Hernández-Morales and the KA and KB students at Colegio Internacional de Sevilla de San Francisco de Paula

Discover Me through Poetry, Arsham Hirani

Deeds Around Town, Samantha Holly

Share This Dance, Maggie Hynes

Inside Every Person with a Disability Is a Soul Made by God to Be Loved, Ageno-Rwot Innocent

Making Bricks to Make a Difference, Ogenrwot Innocent

Applying Knowledge Gained, Ocen Jordan

From the Quiet Shadows to the Forefront of Change, Ibrahim Junaid

My Wish, Eleni Kaltsios

Head, Hands, and Heart, Mirei Kamata

What’s In a Name?, Constantine Katsoris

Dance Can Make a Difference, Julia Katsoris

The Derry Good Deeds Bus, Jordan Kelly

Always Believe in Yourself, JohnPaul Khader

A Passion for the Environment, Ilham Khamis

A Pandemic Drive, Trevor Kilb

A Young Explorer’s Story, Julian Caleb Kouroupakis

Changing the World with Love, Salma Kradi

Good Deeds in Puerto Rico, Gia León

When Life Gives You Lemons, Devin Lesseraux

A Visit to Greece, Francesca Lodigiani

The Day I Followed My Dreams, Jules Maban

Making People Smile, Massimo Mamak

Turning Gratitude into Action, Katherine Mazaroski

My Love for Baseball Will Help Me Help Others, Sean McCarthy

The Environment, Era Mekshiqi

Caitlyn’s Vision, Caitlyn Michiels

Art Classes in the Nursing Home, Emma Nagib

My Dream to End World Hunger, Rosie Netea

One Day a Dream, the Next, Reality, Emma Nicaj

The Dog Walk, Tessa Nordone

Hope for the Homeless, Ryan O’Connor

Dogs: Your Best Friends—Adopt Today!, Tomas Orphanos

Be Part of Something Larger Than Yourself, Arya Paghdal

Art with a Heart, Arsh Pal

The Power of Music, Vivienne Palazzo

Kindness Is a Celebration, The Li’l PALS Pre-School

I Want to Be a Doctor, George Pantazis

Learning versus Food, Kica Parwot Rebecca

My Eleventh Birthday, Iris Pejakovic

Inspiring Moments, Valentina Peluso

My Good Deed Council Journey, Carolina Perez

Helping the Homeless, Yonathan Perez Lopez

What You Give Returns to You, Kendry Antonio Perez Yepez

Life Is Hard, Lakaraber Pisy

How a Single Can or Bottle Becomes a Movement, Genshu Price

Musical Inspiration, Hannah Radbell

My Birthday Is Yours to Share, Lea Rich

Good Deed Dance, Nora Ritchie

Healing from Trauma, Roselyn Rivas

The Shoe Collection, Andrea Victoria Rivera

Building Things, Nicholas Rivera

Using My Talents to Make Others Happy, Sherronice Robinson

My Experience With The Loukoumi Foundation, Ian M. Roche Rivera

Helping Hands, Happy Hearts: My First Volunteer Day, Milán Rueda Juárez

My Trip to The Dentist, Shaylize Ruiz

Follow Your Dreams, Ayden Sannella

Character Is Everything, Alexander Santiago

The Angel Tree, Aris Sargkisian and Spyros Polites

Engineering a Future of Hope, Mikaela Saridaki

Engineer for the Environment, Justin Sather

Making a Difference through Sports, Tyler Sather

Small Things Matter, Giulio Schiavio

Nothing More Than Kindness and Smiling, Tecla Schiavio

Adessa’s Animals, Adessa Spoehr-Planas

Serving with Heart, Sofia Starcic

I Want to Make a Difference When I Grow Up, Vassilios Stathos

Doing Good Deeds Improves Us, Ludovica Taroni

What Inspires Me, Eyal Tolub

Nature Is Pretty Cool!, Diego Toro

Inspired by the Pope Francis Society to Make a Difference, Luca Trupia

Leading Impactful Change: Loukoumi and Me, Ava Tsapatsaris

An Incredible Epiphany!, Amarachi Ugwoegbulem

My Goal: Becoming a Doctor, Anderson Vasquez

My Inspiration, Annabella Vergez Cedrone

The Smile of a Child, Athina Vyrgioti

A Comic Book to Overcome Bullying, John Wendland

Being There for Others, Jude White

How I Inspired My Family to Play String Instruments, Tess White

I Love Life, and I Love My Mother, Gen George William

Garden Days, D’Anna Williams

The Homeless Man, Joell Williams

Joining Hands Together, Lamaro Xenia

Spreading Warmth and Comfort, Lambrini Xerakias

A Kind Heart, Miriam Yaba

Introduction

Nick Katsoris President and Executive Director The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation

Twenty years ago, this month, I published my first Loukoumi book about a fluffy little lamb named “Loukoumi” that just wants to make the world a better place. The name was inspired by a box of candy of the same name that someone brought me back from Greece. That fateful day, I was in the kitchen with my wife, Voula, and we joked that “Loukoumi” would make a cute name for a children’s book character.

A year later, following the birth of our son, that little box of candy changed my life—although I did not realize it at the time—when I wanted to publish a children’s book, just for my son and just for me. I didn’t have an agent. I didn’t have a publisher. I self-published the book, printed one thousand copies, and sold them out of my garage. One of those copies I sent to the New York Times. They wrote an article titled “From Candy to a Character!” and that little self-published book hit number 4 on the Barnes & Noble children’s book bestseller list.

There are now ten books in the series, each teaching a different life lesson, including Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, released in 2008 with a narration by Jennifer Aniston and her father John Aniston. With the publication of that book, I started “Make A Difference With Loukoumi Day,” an annual one-day celebration when we encourage children to do whatever good deeds are in their hearts. The first year more than one thousand children participated, and by 2014 that number grew to forty thousand. Our work was acknowledged with a national Make A Difference Award by the Points of Light organization and USA Weekend magazine, presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., by the hosts of the TODAY show. That day I was so inspired not only by the award and the event, but by the good being done by the other nine award recipients. I knew then this was more than a book series, and so the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation was born.

Ten years later, this has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 150,000 children in thirty countries around the world, making a difference for causes they are passionate about. When I was a child, I loved to write, but never did I expect in my wildest imagination that my love for writing would lead to my running a charitable foundation about a fluffy lamb named Loukoumi. To all the kids out there with a dream, follow every open door, believe in yourself, do what you love, and make your own destiny—because you never know where that road is going to take you.

In 2023, after twenty-eight years as General Counsel of one of the top privately held companies in the United States, I left to become an Arbitrator at the American Arbitration Association and also to pursue this good deed mission, this calling that needed my attention so it could flourish like it deserved to.

I now travel to schools around the United States and across the globe, talking with children about how they want to make a difference in the world—children like the ones in this book, and many of them are the very ones I meet with. Some are my students in the New York schools I visit weekly, and others serve on our Loukoumi International Good Deed Council worldwide. Others are from new corners of the world, paving the way for Loukoumi’s future. Over 125 children and young adults are represented in this book, from more than 30 countries and more than 60 cities, each of them with a story to tell—an inspiring story that has impacted their lives—and by telling it, they will now impact the lives of others.

Each and every one of the authors in this book are changing the world. We bring Inspiring Stories to you to inspire readers everywhere, both children and adults, so you can continue the ripples to a better world, and by working together, it indeed can be.

In the end, these children are changing the world for others, but they are also changing their own worlds with increased self-esteem and improved mental health, as they discover purpose in their lives. They realize that philanthropy can be fun, not forced, as they share their passions and help others in the process. As a result, they are becoming better people, better students, and paving a better future for all of us. Enjoy these essays! They are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step—and remember, together we can make a difference!

The Girls Network

Olivia Abbasi Liverpool, United Kingdom

When I was fifteen, my school introduced the Girls Network mentoring program to my year group. I was not really inclined to go and apply, but my head of year encouraged me to try it! The Girls Network mission is to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional role models who are women.

I completed ten sessions online (as it was during COVID-19) with my mentor, Jemima. We spoke about what I wanted to do in my future career, inspirational women, and future opportunities. She helped me develop skills to support me in my college applications.

Like the rest of my year group, once the program had been completed, we forgot about it and moved on. About a year later, the Ambassador Theatre Group community was holding a voice workshop with the voice network. I had recently started training in musical theatre with the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre, and I knew how important it was to know how to use your voice safely.

I attended the workshop and was asked if I wanted to write a blog about the experience. This was the start of my journey in the Girls Network Ambassador community. In this role I have been fortunate to be invited to 10 Downing Street (the residency of the Prime Minister) in celebration of International Women’s Day. I found myself in a room full of women from all different types of industries who were passionate about advocating for opportunities for young women and girls. I have assisted with multiple workshops and interviewed professionals such as the Candid Broad Productions team, Oriane Pick, and Anais Ferrato and most recently the Force Atlantic. I have also represented the network at events for the network investors such as Enterprise Holdings and Evelyn Partners.

One of the things that I have enjoyed the most has been to encourage other young mentees and ambassadors with school visits. Spending time and talking to the girls face-to-face has provided inspiration for them. I am someone who has been in the exact position as they have, and I have been able to show them what they can do if they want to and what is available to them.

The Ambassador community is an incredible place where young women come together to create change in their localities. I am continuing my work within the network and hope to continue to inspire the younger girls to be able to do whatever they want!

Helping Others and Changing the World

Nizhoni Almeida Queens, New York, USA

I am president of the Builder’s Club at I.S. 77 with the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council. As president, I speak about what we are doing and all the events that are going to take place to help others and raise money for charities or other things. I wanted to be president because I was inspired by the idea of helping people and I thought it would be a great idea to share my ideas on how to change the world.

I want to help people and my society. Our group volunteers, raises funds, and donates to all in need. We pick up litter, clean parks, and help homeless shelters. We have visited a nursing home, donated to an animal shelter, and held two bake sales, one for veterans and another to raise funds for animal supplies.

My grandmother Aura has always inspired me to help others. She was like a mother to me and a role model. She always had a loving, nurturing, caring nature and was helpful even if she could not do a lot because of her age. Her actions inspired me; while they were simple, such as giving someone money or food, they were impactful to me as a child. Even though she has passed away, she still inspires me today.

Her inspiration has made me want to help others. When I grow up, I want to help others by being a therapist and a psychologist. I want to be a psychologist because I see so many people who need help but can’t afford to get it. I want to be there. Mental health after the pandemic has become an epidemic. Back then, everyone was secluded with their thoughts, which can affect you a lot and can often be dangerous if you live alone with your thoughts. When I am a therapist, I want to be there to talk to patients and be a shoulder for people to lean on to help them with their mental health.

There is nothing more rewarding than helping others. When I was ten years old, my dad and I were walking, and we heard a baby bird chirping. It was on the ground, and its wings were hurt. My dad took it home with us, and we nursed it back to health. We nurtured it and gave it love, and soon that bird was flying with its new family, and it’s because of me and my family.

Just like my grandmother took care of me and taught me to help others, and just like I nursed that bird back to life, I want to help others with my future career. By helping people with their state of mind and in other ways, I want to bring positivity into the world and change lives.

Helping Others

Nylah Almonte Queens, New York, USA

Hi, my name is Nylah Almonte, and how I would like to make a difference in this little world of ours is to solve world hunger. We can all do that by not wasting so much food. Many food franchises throw a lot of food away each day instead of giving it to people in need. There have been multiple occasions where I’ve seen sad, hungry people on the streets asking for money or food. It always makes me feel bad, and I always wonder what events in their life happened for them to get to that point. I think we should give this discarded food to places where it would help these people. I have helped pursue this dream of mine by helping make food for the homeless at the Loukoumi Foundation Teaching Kitchen at the Floating Hospital. The people there give out food to the homeless.

I have been inspired by multiple people in my life. My mother is a strong woman; she is a nurse practitioner and a mother of three. She always pushes me to do my best in whatever I do and picks me up whenever I fall down. I want to be just like her, if not better. I love my mother and always will, no matter what. Another example of inspiration is my older sister who has gotten nothing but straight A’s when she was in school. When she was in high school, she did a lot of performing arts and was in a couple of plays. She has always been an honors student, and I want to be the same, so I will do my work and try my best. She has done nothing but encourage me and give me good advice.

These two beautiful people in my life have shaped me to be the person I am now. I have given advice to multiple people in my life, including friends and my amazing little brother. It always makes me feel happy when I can help them with anything. I always sympathize and empathize with them whenever I can.

When I’m older, I want to be an author and illustrator. I want to inspire people with my stories and encourage good morals. I hope to one day help someone out of the little black hole they’re in and tell them they can do it. I want to give another thank you to my sister and mother and an extra thank you to the Loukoumi Foundation for encouraging me and helping with my dreams, and I want to remind everyone again you can do anything you put your mind to.

A Passion for Aviation

Amelia “Mia” Anderson Leesburg, Virginia, USA

I have been raised in an aviation family. My dad is a pilot, and my mom is a flight attendant. I was thirteen years old when I had the opportunity to take my first discovery flight in a small airplane. That flight, with an exceptional female mentor, changed my life forever. From the moment the wheels lifted off the runway, I knew that I wanted to fly for the rest of my life!

There are age requirements to fly an airplane; you must be sixteen to solo and seventeen to get your pilot’s license. However, in gliders, you can be fourteen to solo and sixteen to get your license. Flying gliders was a perfect bridge between me being so young and wanting to learn to fly. I didn’t expect to fall in love with gliding. It was so peaceful and calm. It was just me, the glider, the wind, and sometimes even birds. Soaring above the Earth, counting on the wind and the thermals to keep me in the air, made me feel like I belonged up there with the birds. It’s a sense of belonging and freedom I haven’t found anywhere else.

One of my most recent adventures has been competing in aerobatics, where I fly in glider and airplane competitions! Flying upside down and dancing around in the sky gives me a feeling that’s different than any other. It’s so much fun!

In the six years since my first flight, I have received my private pilot’s license in gliders and powered airplanes and started a nonprofit called Air Ambition. The goal of my nonprofit is to inspire, mentor, and educate future aviators. I realized that being so young in aviation and a girl in a male-dominated field, my story has the power to inspire!

I love sharing my passion for aviation with other kids. I am a volunteer pilot, providing discovery flights to future aviators through EAA Young Eagles and STEM Flights, which is my way of giving back to the programs that first inspired me.

Little Acts of Kindness for the World

Arrow Arkin Long Beach, California, USA

ECOS is a company that works really hard to make the world a better place by making earth-friendly soap for the planet. They never give up, even when other companies make the world dirtier with their products. ECOS tries to help the world by making earth-friendly products that won’t hurt kids and are better for the planet.

My mommy works as a scientist at ECOS, and sometimes I get to visit ECOS to learn and try to understand chemistry. When I grow up, I want to be an ECOS chemist. One thing I’ve done to help ECOS is make a bunch of cool YouTube videos to show some fun science experiments. We learned about what density is, and how to measure pH. One of my favorite things I got to do was eat ice cream out of a beaker! One thing I learned is that water and oil aren’t friends. But if you add a substance called surfactant, water and oil can be friends! This is how ECOS soap works to get oily stains out.

One thing ECOS does is help kids learn to make their own room spray! This is a fun and easy experiment. After you smell all the different plant oils, you add it to the soap base, and then you stir it. Once you blend it, you have your very own room spray. My favorite smells are chamomile for summer and eucalyptus for fall. For winter, I like the peppermint and wood smells. These remind me of Christmastime with my family. The best part is that all the smells come from plants, so they are better for the planet. I learned that if you use plants to make soap, they are nicer to the planet.

As an eight-year-old, ECOS has taught me that we can also make a difference at home. You can turn off lights at home when you aren’t using them to save energy. Another way to help the planet is when you see trash on the ground, pick it up and recycle. Little acts of kindness for the world can inspire everyone to help and make the world a better place.

Another big part of changing the world is not just cleaning up trash, but also thinking about your actions. The planet is really sick right now, and it has a fever. Near my home, we sometimes have bad air and fires. One day at school, we had to stay inside because it was too hot to play. We need everyone to help the planet recover from its fever. My mommy says the fever is called climate change. We need to make good choices and not be wasteful so we don’t make things worse. Even little things, and little kids, can help if we all work together.

Changing the World: Little by Little

Ellianna Baez Eastchester, New York, USA

Hello to everyone reading this story! My name is Ellianna Baez, and I am currently a seventh grader at Eastchester Middle School. I first began my journey with Loukoumi when my neighbor, Ava Tsapatsaris, introduced me to it when I was in fourth grade. Ever since then, Nick Katsoris and the rest of the Loukoumi Foundation have inspired me to change the world for the better.

I had always taken my health and well-being for granted, but when I discovered that others were unable to do the same, I decided to help. I organized a fundraiser for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I prepared flyers providing information about St. Jude and the Loukoumi Foundation. I collected books to sell, and my friend made bracelets for the sale. I recall a lady coming up to me and saying, “You’re doing a great job here helping others who really need it. This is for a great cause; you should be very proud.” By the end of the fundraiser, I had raised more than $450 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and had inspired many others to have awareness for this cause.

After that incredible experience, I chose to take part in more Loukoumi fundraisers such as bagging food for the homeless, singing at senior centers, and helping take care of shelter animals. Bagging the food for the homeless was such a surreal moment for me. I truly realized how lucky I am and how much I can give. I have honestly never seen people so happy to receive such necessary items from us. One mother with three children bowed her head in thanks, pointed at her children, and said a heartfelt “thank you.”

The senior center singing truly warmed my heart. Some of the citizens even got up and danced! Finally, when I went to the shelter to give the animals some love, I had never been licked more! Even though they could not verbally say it, I could tell how appreciative they were. These events not only helped these people (and animals) in their time of need, it also made me feel like I was changing my world gradually.

Years after joining Loukoumi, I decided to enter the Loukoumi Dream Day Contest. My submission explained that I want to be the first woman on the New York Knicks. Two short months later, I won the contest! Two of my peers and I got to meet the one and only Kelsie Whitmore, a minor league woman baseball pitcher from the Staten Island FerryHawks. She is the first female player in the all male minor leagues. Among the many things she taught me that day, one was to keep changing and surprising the world, no matter how small the gesture might seem. Overall, I am so appreciative for the opportunity to meet and be influenced by such an inspiring person.

I am so thankful for getting introduced to the Loukoumi Foundation all those years ago. Loukoumi has had such a positive impact on me. I am confident that I have touched many people’s lives and will continue to do so! I now strive to always help people in any way I can, trying to change the world little by little.

One Journey, Countless Lessons

María Fernanda Bendezú Ramírez Huancayo, Peru

I live in Peru, and in 2019, I fulfilled a dream I had built with effort and perseverance: traveling to France with a scholarship awarded by my school. From the very beginning, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. The process to obtain the scholarship was challenging. In my first attempt, I didn’t achieve the full scholarship. I didn’t succeed the second year either, although I came close, finishing in fourth place. But I didn’t give up. In 2019, after much effort, I achieved first place and with it, the full scholarship to study at the International School of Paris.

My experience in Paris was unforgettable. I met people from different parts of the world, learned about their cultures, and had the opportunity to share Peru’s traditions, from its cuisine to its traditional dances. Upon returning, a younger classmate gave me a ring and a necklace, telling me I was her role model and that she also dreamed of earning the scholarship one day. That moment deeply touched me, as I realized that my effort could inspire others.

When I returned to Peru, I became aware of the immense value of our culture. I am from Huancayo, a city in the highlands, and I carry the richness of my roots in my heart: pachamanca (a dish cooked underground with hot stones), the stories of Huancavelica, where my father is from, and the wealth of the jungle, my mother’s homeland.

Today, as I study economics at the Universidad del Pacífico, I have created a student organization to promote Peru’s cultural diversity and connect students from different regions. Although we are still waiting for official approval, I have found support from friends who share my vision. This project is my way of giving back what I have learned: that cultures, when shared, build bridges that transform lives.