Hard work, commitment and the devotion to help those in need pays off. 14-year-old Randall Slapikas has made volunteering his priority and is the first volunteer ever to receive the Prudential Community Giving Distinguished Finalist Award for the second year in a row. This Award honors outstanding community service by young Americans who are committed to bring positive change to communities across the country.
Everything began in 2007 when eight-year-old Randall Slapikas aspired to make a positive impact when he realized how fortunate he was after meeting children with cancer. Shortly after, he established a club of young elementary school children who pursue ways to make a difference in the lives of these less fortunate children.
“Well, I am very fortunate. I don’t have any physical or mental issues. But there are many kids who are not able to do all the things because of disabilities,” said Randall Slapikas explaining his motivation to establish Kids of Love. Kids of Love Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit organization which was established in 2011. Through the engagement of children, they seek to help children who are battling cancer and other debilitating diseases that restrain the quality of a child’s life.
On Feb. 11, Slapikas was selected to receive an engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallion in The 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for his outstanding volunteer work. It will be given to him on May 21. The Prudential Community Giving Distinguished Finalist Award represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. An independent judging panel selects State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists among the applicants based on criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.
Slapikas is an exemplary role model for his peers. “I am proud of Randall,” said his mother Kim Slapikas. “When he does something, he really goes the extra mile. Doing what he does takes a lot of time. There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes that people don’t realize.”
Instead of playing outside after school, Slapikas overlooks and approves fundraisers, promotional flyers and events in his freetime. He comes up with new ideas to set up and improve future projects and collaborate with organizations such as Hands On Broward.
Slapikas is also a bright student who takes honors and advanced classes at his high school. Besides volunteering for Kids of Love, he also goes to football practice three times a week, to wrestling practice twice a week, and is actively involved with The Boy Scouts. However, his favorite activity in the freetime is hanging out with his friends.
“He has a big heart for people and he especially has a great passion for kids. He inspires other kids and his friends to get involved in order to make a difference, and even got his brothers involved,” said Mrs. Slapikas.
There are many ways to support Kids of Love.
Donations and volunteers are very welcome in order to help fight against cancer and other diseases, as well as to support children to live their lives to the fullest. Thanks to the funds donated by generous supporters in the past, unnecessary stress such as emotional and financial challenges is taken of Families’ shoulders, and these families are given a greater opportunity to focus on their child’s treatment and recovery.
Kids of Love is also hosting several events each month that benefit the children in need. For additional information please contact Kids of Love at 954.757.2810 or email info@kidsoflove.org. Also, feel free to visit the website at www.kidsoflove.org.