PC: Points of Light
She began ‘Dani’s Dream – Sharing the Love of Art’ in 2020, when she was 10, and schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, McTague has donated more than 3,700 art bags across three states and created a mobile art cart for OU Children’s Hospital, where supplies are taken directly to paediatric patients. Since then, McTague has distributed more than 3,700 art bags filled with creative supplies to children, hospital patients, seniors, veterans, and others in need. Through grants, donations, and community partnerships, Dani’s Dream has generated more than $30,000 in support, as reported by Oklahoma State University. Oklahoma State University reported that these include the National 4-H Lead to Change Grant, the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the bronze level. Through her service projects, workshops, and outreach efforts, McTague has impacted more than 135,000 people and logged more than 5,500 volunteer hours. She said she was at the airport on her way to Hawaii and was on a plane when Cathleen Taylor, Oklahoma 4-H youth development specialist, called her.
McTague has also taught workshops as part of the project and said she enjoys seeing children become excited after completing their art projects. Sixteen-year-old Dani McTague has spent several years turning her love of art into a way to help others. After noticing that some children did not have access to art supplies, she set out to share them with those in need. As per Points of Light, the project began with a Facebook page and donations from across the country before growing into an effort that provides art supplies to children’s hospitals, hospice centres, homeless shelters and families in need. Her service has also included mentoring younger leaders. McTague learned about her Hall of Fame selection while she was travelling with her family. After she got off the plane, McTague saw notifications and called Taylor while she was with family.
