GOVERNOR CRIST NAMES KAITLYN CHANA OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS AS GOVERNOR’S POINT OF LIGHT
March 3, 2010
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GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
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TALLAHASSEE- Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Kaitlyn Chana of Altamonte Springs as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.
“Kaitlyn’s philanthropic spirit is putting smiles on the faces of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families,” said Governor Crist. “It is wonderful and heart warming to see her enthusiasm and passion for helping others is making such an extraordinary difference in her community and around the world.”
In January 2005, Chana was inspired by doing a middle school assignment on Love Letters, an organization that wrote letters to children with life-threatening illnesses, to volunteer in her community. Chana founded her own nonprofit with a similar mission, Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness. Chana recruits volunteers, makes cards, and hosts meetings to encourage others to participate. Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness currently has active chapters in 41 states, as well as Canada, Pakistan and New Zealand. Each month, Chana delivers cards to Florida Children’s Hospital, Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, and a Ronald McDonald House. To date, Chana and Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness have delivered nearly 51,000 cards to children with life-threatening illnesses. Chana is currently a student at the University of Central Florida where she is studying broadcast journalism. For more information about Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness please visit www.loveletterscares.com.
“Kaitlyn is an amazing young woman who has touched the hearts and lives of many through the handmade cards that her organization sends to children who face life-threatening medical conditions,” said Becky Bangert, board member of Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness. “I feel fortunate to know Kaitlyn, and join the countless others who are inspired by her ability and desire to help others.”
AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.