Club helps youth make local, global impact

When Kimberly Curry and her family moved from Phoenix to Spokane in May, Curry took a big project with her. She had started a children’s service club called Big Hearts and Little Hands while living in Phoenix, and as soon as she was settled, she began working on a Spokane chapter.

Children and teenagers may volunteer for the club and help do service projects locally and globally, Curry said.

“I have three kids of my own, and I stay home with them,” Curry said. “I started the club because I wanted them to be able to help others and think of others.”

She got the idea while looking for ways to get her own children – all under 7 – involved in the community.

“I just really wanted for my kids to be able to think of others,” Curry said.

Big Hearts and Little Hands are in the middle of a book and donation drive in support of the African Library Project, a nonprofit organization that builds libraries in Africa.

Curry said children’s books from preschool to fourth-grade level may be dropped in an outdoor donation box located at 5836 S. Mount Vernon St.

“Right now we are collecting books, and on Nov. 15 the kids will get together and sort and pack them for shipping to Africa,” Curry said.

On Nov. 9, the group is planning a variety show at Bethany Presbyterian Church featuring children performers and artists of all sorts.

“We are hoping to have enough children’s art for an art show and also to showcase some reading,” Curry said. “We are still looking for more kids to participate in the show.” She’s also hoping to attract child poets and Lego builders with great displays.

The Phoenix chapter of Big Hearts and Little Hands is still up and running, and a friend of Curry’s has started another chapter in Utah.

She estimates about 100 children are involved in Spokane.

“There are no fees or membership charges,” Curry said. “Find us on Facebook to see what we are doing and then just show up.”