May 12, 2025
Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Kids Make Change program, part of its Youth Philanthropy Initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of local philanthropists.
Kids Make Change invites all Putnam County second grade classrooms to participate in lessons and activities that emphasize giving time, talent, and treasure to help others. The program includes a service project, an art contest, and a coin drive, all aimed at engaging students in real-world acts of philanthropy.
The 2025 Kids Make Change coin drive winner is Bainbridge Elementary School, which raised over $1,600 to install a worry garden at their school. The garden will include “kindness rocks” as a creative way to promote empathy, mental wellness, and kindness within their student body. Bainbridge Elementary received a $1,000 grant for their achievement.
The 2025 art contest winner is Ellie Ferran of Cloverdale Elementary School, whose artwork earned her school a $500 grant. Ellie’s winning art, along with the work of additional finalists, will be featured by PCCF throughout the year to celebrate the creativity and vision of young philanthropists.
“At the Putnam County Community Foundation, we believe it’s never too early to start nurturing a spirit of philanthropy,” said Sarah Stone, PCCF Communications Director. “The creativity, compassion, and leadership these young students have shown are truly inspiring. We’re excited every classroom that took part in this year’s program.”
The Putnam County Youth Philanthropy Initiative began in 2006 and includes three programs: the Youth Philanthropy Committee (high school), the Darrel Wiatt Family Philanthropy Essay Contest (middle school), and Kids Make Change (elementary school).