Student-led Charlotte-area nonprofit collects toys for hospitalized children

WEDDINGTON, N.C. (WBTV) - A Charlotte-area nonprofit led by high school students is collecting toys for children receiving care at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

The group, Counts for Kids, aims to bring happiness to children facing difficult circumstances.

Student leaders

Angel Chang, a senior at Weddington High School in Union County, started Counts for Kids in 2023.

Chang said she started the group to help other children and their families.

“I wanted to make a difference in other kids’ lives and just make their lives easier, make them happy, and help families who are going through stuff and just make it easier for them,” Chang said.

Drives, cards and kindness boxes

Since 2023, the student-led group has organized donation drives, created handmade seasonal cards and assembled 100 kindness boxes for children in daycares, shelters, or hospitals.

The group has grown to about 50 students across the Charlotte area.

President and Weddington High junior, Amelia Thomaj, said the group recently held a craft event at a hospital.

“We did like painting, like board games, bracelet making with the kids and everything too. And it was just kind of like a good hands-on experience,” Thomaj said. “I’ve always wanted to work with kids. So when we go, and we have these moments, especially when we spend time with them, it’s honestly, I feel like I’m so excited for the future.”

Why students lead

Chang said she wants others to know that age is not a limit.

“I wanted other people to realize that no matter how young you are, you can do whatever you want, basically,” Chang said.

Thomaj said she realized she could make an impact even though she hasn’t yet graduated high school.

“What made me want to get involved was kind of a realization that I do have an ability to reach out to people and make a difference,” Thomaj said.

Chang said she feels like she’s making a difference when she sees the children light up during the Counts for Kids events.

“It’s motivation to keep going. And I realize that all the work I put in is worth it, just to make these kids happy,” Chang said.

Counts for Kids is currently collecting toys for Levine Children’s Hospital. You can reach out to the organization to donate here.