The Smallest Kids Have the Biggest Hearts 

We’re constantly blown away by the generosity our Joni and Friends community. Over the past 40 years, millions of people have helped raise funds to share the gospel and change lives of people impacted by disability all over the world. We’ve heard some incredible stories and met so many people with huge hearts! 

But who would’ve guessed that the smallest of kids could have the biggest heart!? Here’s the story of our sweet friend Alessia who saved her money for an entire year so that she could provide not one, but two pediatric wheelchairs for kids in need of mobility! 

11-year-old Alessia visited our Headquarters this week to present her gift to Joni and Friends in time to be a part of our May Match initiative. She arrived with $220 that she raised by running a lemonade stand, selling baked goods, babysitting… and she even included some of her birthday money! 

“Giving is the feeling you’ve always been looking for and wanting to have. It’s not always about you and it’s not about the money. It’s about the life that is changed from it. I give to Joni and Friends because it changes lives.” – Alessia 

Alessia advocates for people impacted by disability because she knows firsthand that they don’t always have a voice. Her brothers, Dominik and Josef, are both wheelchair users and she’s seen how much of a life change mobility is for someone who has a disability. 

“I see how much my brothers need and rely on a wheelchair. I know there are so many kids who need one too, and it makes me feel good to know that I helped someone get one!” -Alessia 

Alessia’s mom, Jessica, first heard of Joni and Friends through a disability ministry training. After the seminar, they collected all of the resources they could carry, and Jessica began the journey of starting a disability ministry at her church with the help of Joni and Friends. Over the years, she has stayed involved with Joni and Friends by taking her family to Family Retreat and even volunteering at our ministry headquarters. 

“I love Family Retreat because it’s so fun and my brothers get to participate in all of the activities. We made A LOT of friends!” -Alessia 

Alessia’s generosity is no surprise to her mom. She described to us how kind and gracious Alessia is with her own brothers. Her goal was to raise enough money to sponsor one wheelchair, but because this month every donation is matched for our May Match initiative, Alessia is giving the gift of mobility to two kids! 

“When my oldest son got his first wheelchair, I watched his eyes light up with the realization that he was finally independent and able to get around on his own. For my daughter to want to give that to other children is a proud moment for me. And to offer that miracle to two other families… is a major life change. They now will get to go out of the house and be part of their community and hear the gospel! I’m excited for those children, their families and am touched that my daughter got to be a part of that.” -Jessica 

After spending some time with Alessia, it’s clear that Jessica’s praises are true. She has a huge heart and loves her brothers unconditionally! Upon her departure, Alessia left us with one more nugget of wisdom, “Even though sometimes disability seems like a bad thing… there’s always something good inside.”

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Sponsor a Wheelchair

Tragically, a person with limited mobility is often excluded from life in their community simply because they have no way of moving around. Wheels for the World provides the gift of mobility along with the hope of the Gospel to people impacted by disability around the world. You can get involved by giving so that wheelchairs can be restored and sent to someone in need.

Give Today!