California schoolgirl Khloe Thompson began sewing care bags for women experiencing homelessness; the small family project grew into Khloe Kares, which has distributed more than 5,000 handmade bags filled with everyday essentials/Image: Instagram
At the time, Thompson was 9 and wanted to understand why people in her community were living without homes. Thompson was among the recipients of the 2019 George H.W.
The organisation says its goal is not only to provide immediate necessities but also to raise awareness about homelessness and support women as they work towards more stable housing. Khloe Thompson started the project after encountering a woman living on the street while walking to school with her mother. Her great-grandmother agreed to pay for the supplies needed for the first batch. After the initial distributions, the family looked for ways to continue the project. Thompson’s work has since moved beyond the care bags. She has also taken part in projects aimed at supporting children and young people, including efforts in Ghana involving water pumps and bathroom facilities at schools. Her work has also received recognition. Bush Points of Light Awards, which recognise people for community service.