[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         MICHAEL JOHN KELLY--MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HAYWARD, CA

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 1994

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, a very special third grader from my district 
was honored last Thursday with a Make A Difference Day Award. Michael 
Kelly is the youngest recipient of 10 who were honored by USA Weekend 
magazine for their actions to bring positive change to the lives of 
others.
  Michael's mother, Carmen Lamkin, was homeless when he was born. While 
they have an apartment now, the family has struggled in recent years to 
make ends meet, occasionally falling short in the tough California 
economy. This has brought them to local shelters and soup kitchens for 
assistance, where they found help and compassion, not indignity. When 
Michael read about make a Difference Day, he knew that he wanted to do 
something for those who rely on shelters and soup kitchens--the men, 
women, and children he sees lined up outside every day.
  Using his entire $2 weekly allowance at the copy store, the 8-year 
old duplicated a letter to merchants and neighbors asking for old 
clothes and household goods. Whenever a small sum came his way, he made 
more copies and walked blocks soliciting help. For the 6 weeks prior to 
Make A Difference Day, Michael would direct his mother to yard sales 
asking for donated leftovers, which piled up in their living room.
  On the big day, Michael's efforts paid off. He and his family 
collected two truckloads of clothes, furniture, pots, pans, and more 
and took them down to the Full Gospel Ministry. The staff at the 
ministry were certainly stunned by the size of the gift, but the fact 
that one third-grader could put such an effort together left them in 
awe. Now Michael and his mom volunteer at the shelter regularly and 
always bring a trash bag of donated goods that keep coming in from 
their Hayward neighbors. Michael has also chosen to donate the $1,000 
that comes with his award to the Full Gospel Ministry to continue their 
important work for the neediest in the East Bay.
  Mr. Speaker, it is said that life is the greatest teacher. I am 
heartened that Michael's lessons have made him caring and 
compassionate, able to see human needs and lend an energetic hand to 
meet them head on. In accepting his award, Michael said he wants to end 
homelessness, crime, and racism in his lifetime. If anyone can do it, 
it's Michael John Kelly. I am proud of him and know that he can make a 
difference.

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