This article was written by Angela Lin, class of 2019.
For many people, it takes a lifetime to make a difference in the world. But at 16, junior Katherine Quesada has already impacted the lives of foster children by starting her own charity, Friends for Fosters. This summer, the Coca-Cola company awarded Quesada and 24 other students $5,000 scholarships for their service to the community.
The idea for Friends for Fosters came after Quesada discovered that foster children carry their belongings in trash bags as they move from home to home. She founded her non-profit charity during her freshman year. Friends for Fosters raises money to purchase duffel bags for foster children in South Florida. They have partnered with 4Kids of South Florida, a child welfare agency that helps meet the needs of foster children, allowing them to distribute the duffel bags to foster children in need. Friends for Fosters donated their first 100 duffel bags Feb. 15 to children in a 4Kids of South Florida foster home.
“Friends for Fosters is centered on improving the self-esteem of foster children. These children often feel unloved and lonely. Through duffel bags, we can support them,” said Quesada.
Quesada’s accomplishments earned her a college scholarship and a trip to Coca-Cola’s leadership academy through the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Contest, a contest for teens who have made an impact on their community. After she was nominated by her mother and submitted a video explaining the work her charity does, she was chosen by Coca-Cola out of a pool of 31,000 applicants.
Quesada attended the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy in Atlanta July 24-27. There she attended leadership workshops and met with business professionals. She also visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the World of Coke and Atlanta’s Tree Sound, where she met celebrities such as Kandi Burruss and Tyrese, who praised the students for their work in their communities and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Quesada’s scholarship was handed to her by artist Tyrese and a Coke executive, wrapping up her time at Coca-Cola. In the upcoming year, Quesada hopes to donate at least 100 duffle bags to kids in need.
Visit http://www.friendsforfosters.com/ to donate.
