When a child has a birthday usually the presents get them most excited.  While that’s true for Elizabeth Young, a 7th grader from South Arbor Academy, Elizabeth’s excitement stems from much more altruistic motives.

When she was in 4th grade Elizabeth came up with the idea to have her friends bring items for Hope Medical Clinic instead of gifts for herself.  Her act of kindness didn’t stop there.  Since then she has also organized a baby drive at her church that turned into Hope being the central distribution point for baby formula in Ypsilanti.  She came up with the idea for a Valentine’s Day Dance at her church as a fundraiser for Hope.   She plants fresh vegetables in her garden for Hope’s Food Bank, and sorts, stocks,  packs, and distributes the food.

This year Elizabeth also was the driving force behind Team Hope’s participation in the Big House, Big Heart Run, which raised an amazing $23,000 for Hope Medical Clinic!  Cathy Robinon, Hope’s Executive Director, says Elizabeth is mature beyond her years.  “She is an amazing young woman with a heart of compassion and a real leader.”

Hope Clinic is an interdenominational Christian organization that provides compassion and practical help to those in need.  Hope provides a broad range of services at its three Ypsilanti area locations, including medical, dental, and social services.  Each year it serves more than 6,000 medical patients, 2,300 dental patients, and provides 10,000 hot meals and groceries to 1,700 households.  For more information about Hope’s services and volunteer opportunities, call 734.484.2989 or visit www.thehopeclinic.org

Listen to our interview with Elizabeth, her mom, Jennifer Young, and Hope’s Executive Director, Cathy Robinson, posted under the October 31, 2009 “The Lucy Ann Lance Show.”   You’ll leave with new hope in your own heart, thanks to our Hero of the Week, Elizabeth Young.