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At first glance, 15-year-old Kenan Pala seems like a typical teenager. But he founded Kids4Community, a San Diego-based organization that offers volunteer projects for kids, when he was just 12.
The idea came out of his family's experience. Kenan's parents came to the USA from Türkiye in 1998 and set up a company. "The journey was filled with hardship," said Kenan's mum. "And without the help we got along the way, we wouldn't have been where we are." The Palas wanted their children to remember this, encouraging them to give back to the community.
Anyone can work with Kids4Community, but its events are mainly for kids. Kenan's organization aims to raise youths' involvement in community efforts because many organizations don't let children volunteer.
Every year, Kids4Community volunteers make 2,000 hygiene kits including shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, which would be given away to the needy through Christmas Day. In fall, the group's efforts are focused on disaster victims. Over the years, the organization has made numerous care packages for survivors of earthquakes and hurricanes.
Another key focus is homelessness—a matter that has taken on particular importance. At 11, Kenan was running along the beach when he came across a sickly baby seal, surrounded by people who were caring for it and calling for help. "Hours later, I saw a homeless person, also sick and needing help, but people were just ignoring him," Kenan said. Now, Kids4Community organizes events both to meet physical needs of the homeless and give them a sense of respect and hope.
In the coming years, Kenan wants to spread Kids4Community's reach beyond San Diego and perhaps beyond California.
理解
1. What were the different attitudes when people saw a sick baby seal and a homeless person?

2. Share with us your experience of caring for a sick animal or a sick person.