Hillary Hughes was an award winner with American Girls
2007 Real Girl of the Year Award Winners American Girl
NAME: Hillary
AGE: 12
ACTIVITY: Started her own organization to supply the needy with basic supplies and raises awareness about radon contamination
HONORABLE-MENTION AWARD: Nicki Fleming’s Whole World Collection
Hillary is the founder and organizer of “Color My World: Kids Who Care,” a non-profit organization geared at helping those in need around the world. She collects, makes, and distributes hygiene and school kits for families in need. The hygiene kits included toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soap, and combs for a family of four. Her school kits provide basic classroom necessities.
Hillary’s experience has taught her that one person can make a difference, and the results can be life-defining.
To date, more than $17,500 in kits has been distributed throughout the world. The kits have been distributed to families in southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Africa, as well as to hurricane victims in the U.S. Local shelters and the Boys and Girls Club have benefited from the kits, too.
Hillary has also launched an aggressive environmental campaign to make people aware of the dangers of radon gas in their homes. Radon is the second-most-common cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and can be fatal when combined with smoking. This year, Hillary launched R.A.C.E. (Radon Awareness Campaign for the Environment) and distributed more than 100 DVD presentations to schools in New Hampshire and Maine, informing families and children about the dangers of radon and lung cancer. Hillary has lobbied local and state governments to push for mandatory radon testing in all homes and even contacted the White House on becoming more aggressive with air quality.
Even when she was in Washington D.C. to receive a service award, Hillary found time to volunteer, reading to students at an inner-city school and donating books to their libraries. She has now collected 100 pounds of books for needy readers.
Her example in the community has led thousands of people to join her causes. Hillary’s experience has taught her that one person can make a difference, and the results can be life-defining.
