Brooke Davidson, 11, of Huber Heights, Ohio, volunteers at local shelters to spend time with children in need.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Brooke: I am a volunteer with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Police Athletic and Activities League. I do outreach to youth who need help with reading, or who need a friend person to help make their lives a little happier when they are going through bad things.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Brooke: Montgomery County Sheriffs Police Athletic and Activities League in Ohio.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefits from this work.

Brooke: Children who are homeless or living at a battered shelter. I go and talk to them and share my ideas and spend time with them, like going fishing or to a golf outing, and many other fun things like taking them on trips.

What inspired you to get involved?

Brooke: Life. When I wake up I am truly blessed, I have everything that I need. I am truly grateful for that. I know that many children do not have this and I wanted to share the love with them.

How did you first get involved? Give us some details.

Brooke: I feel sorry for kids who don't have both parents or have no home, or have been beaten.

How did you first get involved? Through school? Your parents?

Brooke: Our local police.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Brooke: I worked in a play as a homeless child and had a lead role. We raised $1500 for a local homeless shelter and took the money to the shelter and helped feed the homeless children.

What is/was the hardest part?

Brooke: I feel like I have to do many things. And toys are not important. People are important and they need our time.

What was the biggest surprise?

Brooke: To find out we raised $1500 and that my play was seen on our local public TV station.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Brooke: I learned I am lucky to have both parents living at home with me who love me, and that toys and gifts are not very important. I learned people are hurting and it takes all of us to help others in many ways: to read to younger kids, to help old people who can't do things for themselves, and to let people know you care about them.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Brooke: Please help other people who need you. You will make good friends and learn more about what you have to be thankful for, and how good you will feel inside when you know that person is so grateful that you were there.