That article started Craig on a mission which is now the world's largest organization of children helping children. With nine other classmates, Craig began Free the Children , an organization devoted to promoting education, building schools, collecting medical and school supplies, and establishing rehabilitation centers in rural and developing countries. The one promise I make to the children is that I will take their stories to any one who is willing to listen. He has told the stories to Mother Theresa, Queen Elizabeth, congressmen and prime ministers on behalf of the 250 million children forced to work as slaves or for slave wages. Craig says he thinks young people want to help, but are very frustrated.
Kids can and do make a difference.
Oprah shows adults can make a difference as well committing herself and the Angel Network to fund one hundred schools. Chris Pettoni heard Craig speak and was so motivated, he got his school council to raise funds for Free the Children. Opening the World of Books to Others Brandon Keefe was only in third grade when he decided to make a difference. Visiting a children's home, he heard how difficult it was for them get books. What began as a community service project for his class is now the non-profit organization Bookends, which has given away 45,000 books to children in need.