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Do you have your own stories or suggestions for how to help kids who are poor? Write to Compassion's editor to share them — and get a chance to appear in the published or online versions of the magazine. See more pictures of these compassionate kids.

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Mission Possible

Jessica Lindgren, 17, tackled the AIDS pandemic from her high school in Minnesota. Here's her story:

"Not long ago I had the amazing opportunity to go to Tanzania, Africa, on a mission trip with my mom. The poverty was over-whelming and I saw families being ripped apart as the deadly AIDS epidemic tore through the nation. I also met the precious little girl I sponsor — and saw hope. Now I know from personal experience that Compassion is a life-changing organization. When I returned from our trip, I knew I couldn't just sit back and forget what I had seen.

"I began to pray and that was when my friend Kaylee and I felt God tugging on our hearts to start a fund raiser for Compassion's AIDS Initiative to raise money and awareness. We named it 'Operation Give Five.'

"We hung posters around the school, tied red cards on school lockers that reminded people to bring $5, and put labels on lunchroom drinks and food. Students could also read more information about AIDS and learn what Compassion is doing to help. At the end of the two weeks, we raised $401! I'm glad I did something to make a difference."

Business Cents

Sage Theule, a fifth-grader in California, started a club to change one little girl's life. This is her story:

"I decided to sponsor a child just with girls from my school. I picked Yenifer because she was 3 and I wanted a girl who was younger so we could sponsor her for longer.

"To earn money for sponsoring Yenifer, I started the Compassion Girls' Club. There are nine girls in the club. We make and sell earrings, bracelets and beaded bookmarks. Also we have a lemonade stand. I made a logo to put on everything we sell. It's a heart with wings on it to send out love. And I made handouts with Compassion's Web site on them.

"I think my sponsorship means a lot to Yenifer. She always sounds really happy in her letters. Also from my sponsorship I learned that when you're helping others it makes you and them feel good."

Changed Lives

When Jack Beissel was only 5 years old, he made an important decision. His mom, Laurie, shares his story:

"Jack had a piggy bank where he saved his change from doing special chores and where we threw our spare change. When his bank became full, I asked Jack what he'd like to do with his money.

"We just had a conversation a few days before about how much we have to be thankful for and how some kids, like our sponsored child Abner, don't have much because they are poor.

"I was pleasantly surprised to hear Jack say, 'I want to give all the money to Abner and his family so they can have the things they need and maybe they'll have a little extra for some toys for Abner, his sister, brother and cousin.' I have never in my life been so proud of anyone!

"So we took all his change to the bank and I was shocked when the total came to $315.27. I explained to him that he had a lot of money and then he asked if he could have just a little bit to pick out a toy for himself. So I gave him $15.27 for a toy and we sent the rest to Abner's family."