Marissa Hacker’s brother Matthew is autistic, and she saw how socially isolated he was growing up in Voorhees, NJ. She dreamed of a comfortable, easy environment where he could hang out with friends and enjoy himself, and she decided to create one. She was just 15!!

Young or old, Age is not a barrier to making the world a better place.

Now 21, Fantastic Friends is alive and well, and continues to host monthly social functions for friends (members with special needs) and volunteer friends (peer volunteers).

“Our teen-led chapters help people with special needs gain confidence about being in a group, while sharing ideas, hopes, and dreams, in an accepting environment,” Marissa Hacker

The organization has raised $30,000 to support activities involving 500 participants, volunteers, siblings, and parents — it’s one of the top 100 special needs social groups in the United States. Marissa recently received a Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award, which recognizes the next generation of philanthropic visionaries and provides them with support and resources in their drive to make the world a better place.

Next up for Fantastic Friends? Convincing Bruno Mars to come to their Prom!

Enjoy this fantastically FUN video. Well done too!

When Marissa was interviewed in for the online publication, JewishExponent.com, they asked:

Q: Is there anything you would tell your 15-year-old self now?

A: “I would tell myself not to worry so much because everything always works out. I would tell myself not to be nervous about anything.”

Interested in starting a chapter in your area? Get in touch! This is a group dynamic worth sharing.

Interestingly, on the heels of editing this article to share, we just last night watched a very well produced movie on an autistic young woman, played by Dakota Fanning, titled Please Stand By.

“I would tell my [younger] self not to worry so much because everything always works out.”

The post Marissa Started Fantastic Friends at age 15! appeared first on iHeartDaily.

It’s likely that you have some gently loved toys lying around, and the upcoming holiday is the perfect time to take stock. Those My Little Ponies will never sell for that much on ebay, so it’s time to let someone else know the joys of Applejack and Rainbow Dash. 

That’s where Second Chance Toys (SCT) comes in. This organization takes used plastic toys, which are often “good as new” (and would forever clog a landfill), and puts them into the hands of kids who need them. Last year, they collected over 200,000 toys — that’s a lot of colorful plastic cheer they’re spreading! We talked to founder Sasha Lipton, who was 15 when SCT started:

I Heart Daily: Where did the idea for SCT come from?
Sasha Lipton: While driving around on a big garbage collection day in my town, I noticed how many people were throwing away plastic toys. I knew that there were so many children in nearby towns who could not afford these toys that were destined for the landfill, so I started collecting them from the curb, cleaning, and donating them.

IHD: Tell us about a favorite moment.
SL: At the first Second Chance Toys donation, the children couldn’t believe that they were being given toys of their own, and were so excited. I will never forget the smiles on their faces and the feeling I had knowing that I had really brightened their day.

IHD: What’s been the toughest challenge for SCT?
SL: Figuring out an expansion strategy. Ideally I would like SCT to have donations taking place in every state, but also want to ensure that quality remains consistent.

IHD: How can teenagers help support SCT in their own communities?
SL: Teens can donate their old toys or start their own collection! 

This year, Sasha passes the Ambassador of SCT baton to the teenage children of Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, the women behind The MOMS. It’s a new generation of kids helping kids — so here’s how YOU can get involved too. 

The post How to Donate Old Toys for A Good Cause appeared first on iHeartDaily.