One teen in the North Penn School District has proven that you’re never too young to make a difference. Since Hannah Gardner was only 11 years old, she has been volunteering her time and effort to make a difference in the lives of children who are struggling with childhood cancer.

Gardner’s inspiration was sparked when she first met Sharon Synder, the woman who founded the Kisses for Kyle foundation after losing her son to cancer at a very young age. Synder raises money to pay various bills for struggling families whose children have cancer. Things most take for granted, such as the money for gas or groceries, are often a difficulty for these families whose medical bills stack up very quickly.

After meeting Synder, Hannah decided she, too, wanted to make an impact in the tragic world of childhood cancer.

At the age of 11, Gardner created her own foundation, Hannah’s Hope Jar.

“I was very interested in children with cancer,” explained Gardner. “I followed a lot of their stories and just really had sympathy for what they were going through. And I decided to create Hannah’s Hope Jar to make a difference in their lives and make them happy.”

Gardner got straight to work by brainstorming event ideas that would raise money to support her cause. At the age of 12, she held her first annual movie night located at her house.

Preparing for a movie requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Gardner must choose a date and movie, create and distribute flyers, obtain volunteers, and most importantly, invite people. In addition, setting up raffle baskets and donations and posting childhood cancer facts throughout the area of the fundraiser are also included on her list for planning a memorable night.

On Saturday, September 13^th, 2014, Gardner held her 4^th annual movie night, which turned out to be a complete success.

After all of her hard work in arranging and setting up the event, Gardner was able to watch the night unfold.

Community members of all ages came out to support Hannah’s Hope Jar in exchange for a fun-filled night of games, food, raffles, contests, face painting, card making, a surprise movie, and more.

“Hannah’s most recent movie night was a huge success,” explained Allison Graff, a close friend of Gardner’s who frequently volunteers with Hannah’s Hope Jar. “She had a very large turnout and she raised the most money she has ever raised before.”

By the end of the night, Gardner had collected an inspiring total of over $1,700.

Although the movie night raises the most money, fundraisers at Bounce-U and the occasional lemonade stand helps to add to her foundation’s earnings.

After raising the money, Gardner must decide how best to provide support for the childhood cancer patients and their families.

“I use the money I raise to buy gifts for the children in St. Christopher’s Hospital,” said Gardner. “Also, I supply toiletries and canned goods to families who are struggling to purchase these items.”

Gardner may be busy running Hannah’s Hope Jar, but that certainly does not stop her from participating in other childhood cancer awareness activities. By being involved with events such as the North Penn Childhood Cancer Awareness football game, she proves how important this cause is to her.

Her continued passion for childhood cancer has resulted in the progressing success of her foundation. Each year she raises more money, expands her opportunities, and gains more attention.

“When Hannah first started, all of her donations were held in her little, purple jar,” explained Graff. “Now all the money and donations Hannah has raised is beyond that little jar.”

Gardner’s mom explained that, as her daughter’s success has advanced, she has learned that a team can do more for her cause than any one person. Support for Hannah’s Hope Jar now ranges from family to friends to teachers to anonymous people.

Mrs. Gardner also expressed how proud she is of how her daughter’s ideas and inspiration has grown.

“There are really no words to express how I feel about Hannah’s wanting to help others,” explained Gardner’s mom. “When I sit and think about it, she brings hope to my heart and tears to my eyes.”

As for the future, Gardner expects to make her organization a consistent success. She is hoping to expand her visits to additional hospitals and provide even more children with the happiness they deserve. Gardner plans to eventually make Hannah’s Hope Jar an official foundation registered with the government.

“I love what I do and plan to continue it my whole life,” said Gardner.

Gardner’s impact on childhood cancer is truly amazing, but perhaps her hopeful attitude is even more commendable. She never doubts that her efforts will make a difference in some way, no matter how small. Gardner continues to trust that her events will expand as much as her hope does.