Teen starts nonprofit to encourage volunteerism

FENTON, Mich. (WNEM) – A 15-year-old high school student is on a mission to inspire her peers to make a difference.

Eliana Galgoci, a freshman at Fenton High School, has been volunteering since she was four years old.

“Simple things like tying a blanket or just going and writing a note,” said Galgosi. “And I kind of just felt like over time, I just kind of felt like helping other people with something that I’m passionate about.”

Now, she is hoping to spark the same passion for service in other kids and teens around Genesee County.

“I feel like there’s a lot of adults helping kids,” said Galgoci. “I don’t feel like there’s a lot of kids helping kids. So that’s kind of like the big inspiration for NextGen Kindness.”

Galgoci is the co-founder of the NextGen Kindness Foundation. Her mother, Erisa, is the president of the non-profit.

“There are two pillars to our mission,” said Erisa Galgoci. “One is to help and encourage and motivate volunteering at a very young age by introducing all types of different activities that kids could do with mom’s club and youth groups and also with wonder works. The other pillar is to help older kids who are in middle school and high school to be involved in the community.”

From fundraisers to supply drives, the group gathers with other non-profit leaders every month to figure out their needs and how they can help.

“My favorite part is seeing other people happy and also connecting with new people that I’ve never met before and seeing what else they’ve done to help other people,” said Eliana Galgoci.

It is not just Galgoci getting involved. NextGen Kindness clubs have been created at Fenton High School and Middle School.

“I did do a lot when I was younger with my mom,” said a club member. “We did soup kitchens and volunteer at different places and all that stuff. But this has really, I guess, opened my eyes to do a lot more and help a lot more where I can.”

The difference the students make goes beyond the community.

“A little bit you do goes a long way,” said the club member. “You can help a lot of people with just one small action that you do.”

The Foundation is inspiring a positive change in future generations through education, service, and compassion.

“I’ve learned to connect with other people, how to talk to new people as well and just that kind of stuff,” said Galgoci.

“Honestly, as a mom, it’s a proud moment,” said Erisa Galgoci. “I love it. I love seeing her help other kids. I grew up very, very poor. So for us, it’s a huge accomplishment, and I love seeing how it impacts her to help other kids, and I love being able to be a part of it all.”

NextGen Kindness is looking to grow. If you would like to get involved or start a chapter at your school district, visit its Facebook page to learn more.

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