Heart of Gold: An Eighth Grader Helps Kids in Kenya
By Grace Henry

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.” The only gold he had to give was in his heart.

When Nick Shoff learned about the living conditions in Africa during his eight-grade Social Studies class, he was spurred to do something.

With a desire to help others and a passion for basketball, Nick sprung into action and organized a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at his middle school in Ridgefield, CT to benefit programs in HOPE worldwide – Kenya. 

Over 100 people participated in the tournament, called JAMQUEST, where 20 boys and girls teams competed. 

Nick’s hope for the tournament was that it would not only raise money to support kids in Kenya, but that it would raise awareness among his peers and in the community about the conditions in Africa. 

Nick planted seeds of compassion within his local community. He garnered support and produced what grew into a huge success.

The tournament fundraised over $2,700, all of which will go to support Kenya’s orphan and vulnerable children programs.

Nick and his family have volunteered for HOPE worldwide since he was very young. His heart to help others has been greatly impacted through his personal service with HOPE worldwide’s programs around the world.

Commenting on JAMQUEST’s success, Nick related it to the scripture from Acts 3 quoted above about the beggar who asked for money but got healed instead.

Nick shared that the fundraiser got its ‘legs’ by using what God has given him, in spite of what he didn’t have; God provided what was needed.

He used his love of basketball to bring smiles and hope to kids in Kenya. We are proud to call Nick a HOPE worldwide volunteer, and his passionate heart to serve the poor at such a young age is truly inspiring.

Inspired by Nick’s heart?
Make a donation to HOPE worldwide – Kenya.