The Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County hopes to see just how many Jefferson County children are called to action to help their peers.

Through the Community Action Angels’ Kids are Key program, CAPC is accepting proposals from local youths ages 6 to 18 for $100 awards to fund special projects for children.

“Kids, we find, are naturally inspired to want to help the community,” said Dawn M. Cole, CAPC deputy director. “Kids are more aware of needs in the community than sometimes what we realize. Sometimes we get a call from a Girl Scout Brownie troop, and a little while ago when we did the Seeds & Needs, a Boy Scouts troop dropped off gardening tools. Kids just get it.”

Mrs. Cole said she hopes the thought of having a small budget to work with broadens the scope of the youths’ projects. While the award may not seem like a lot of money, she said, the overall message of community service will be worth more than the $100.

The Kids are Key project is a statewide effort from Community Action Angels. CAPC will award one $100 grant in each of the following categories: one child age 6 to 12; one family group with children; and one group of five or fewer youths age 13 to 18.

CAPC staff will offer proposal assistance to children.

The overall goal of Kids are Key, Mrs. Cole said, is to have children help other children who otherwise might “fall through the cracks.” She said the most immediate needs for local children center on food and nutrition, and safe activities that are accessible and age appropriate.

The deadline to submit ideas to CAPC is Aug. 3. Awards will be announced by Aug. 10, as Mrs. Cole said CAPC would like to see projects completed before the start of the 2012-13 school year.

For more information, or to submit a project idea, call CAPC Family Center Project Manager Mary J. Mathewson at 782-4900. People also may stop by CAPC, 518 Davidson St.

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