Art From the Heart

This 5-year-old makes “kid art” to help people in poverty

At 5 years old, Evie has already figured out how to use her gifts from God to help others.

Evie and her family in South Carolina sponsor a child named Maribela through Compassion. When Evie learned about all the challenges Maribela has faced in the Philippines during 2020, she felt surprised and saddened.

“Let me tell you about Maribela’s year,” says Evie. “She had hurricanes, earthquakes and typhoons … on top of coronavirus! This is bananas!”

Evie wanted to help, and one morning she woke up early with an idea: She could use her talent for making “kid art” to help children like Maribela! By the time her parents woke up, Evie had already made a piece of art and filmed herself explaining the idea on her iPad.

Evie’s parents were impressed. They wanted to support their daughter to show her she can make a difference no matter her age, says her mom, Kasey. So they helped Evie set up a fundraiser benefiting Compassion to provide critical relief for families affected by COVID-19. They set a goal of $500, filmed one of the most adorable videos ever, and spread the word about Evie’s big idea: to send an awesome piece of kid art to anyone who donated $10 or more.

Evie got to work painting with watercolors, cutting out shapes from colorful paper and melting crayons to create her unique kid art. In only one weekend, she had reached her goal of raising $500. But she wanted to keep up the movement — and to invite other kids to be a part of Evie's Art. So she put out a call for artwork by other kids. Her mom says she figured it would be a unique way for children to make a difference even as they were staying home for COVID-19 quarantine. Soon Evie began receiving kid art from all around the United States. Artists as young as 2 years old have created art to help out.

Evie says that when she grows up she wants to be an artist or world explorer. Her artistic talent coupled with her heart for children around the world is the perfect résume builder for both!

If you would like to learn more about how you can be like Evie and help the most vulnerable during this global crisis, click here!