First-Grader Finds His Passion in Giving Back, Making the World a Better Place

Mikhail Laila is not your ordinary first grader. The San Diego, California, youth enjoys spending his free time giving back to his community. During the past year, he raised over $1000 during a read-a-thon to sponsor the education of eight girls in India; volunteered at a supply drive to benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center; worked alongside his mom, Chanthara, to sort baby clothes for Gently Hugged; and collected gently used Halloween costumes for Second Families, an organization that assists refugee families.

“My most memorable community service project was the read-a-thon,” Mikhail said. “It made me love books more and at the same time gave me an opportunity to raise awareness and funds to help others.”

Mikhail believes that volunteering is important because it helps people learn to empathize.  “If enough people learn to volunteer and help others this will create a chain of helping hands across the world and make it a better world for all of us,” he said.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Mikhail? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.