Joel Osteen Tags Along With Clinton Township Teen’s Charity

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Clinton Township teen recently had a chance to pitch her charity, S.K.I.P – Supporting Kids in Pain, in a television interview with megachurch leader Joel Osteen and his wife, who were also on hand Friday when Sarah Maisano, 16, distributed the gift bags her charity puts together to about 17 sick kids at DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit

The care package giveaway took place in the Detroit Pistons Court of Champions, a play area in the lobby of DMC Children’s Hospital. Royal Oak magician, comedian, storyteller and improv actor Jasen Magic entertained the kids until the Osteens arrived, The Macomb Daily reported.

Maisano was introduced to the chilren as someone who was there to “to bring a little blessing” to their lives by Jackelyn Viera Iloff, senior advisor for Osteen Ministries, which was in the area for in advance of Saturday’s “A Night of Hope” at Comerica Park. When Osteen Ministries holds events in cities, it tries to partner with local groups, such as S.K.I.P.

Hospital CEO Luanne Thomas Ewald said Maisanos and her family reminded the young patients how to be kids.

“We obviously have a lot of people that donate their time and donate their talents to this hospital, but when I see kids actually wanting to help other kids, and for her to be a 16-year-old and already focused on giving back, that’s what makes S.K.I.P. special to me,” Ewald said. “She knows there are kids upstairs that are her own age that may not have what she has.”

Maisano said it was a special treat to see how the charity affects the kids. She doesn't usually distribute the gifts herself.

“It was a huge success,” she said. “We have never been able to do this before, to witness the children getting the bags. It was amazing to be able to see their happiness.”

According to the S.K.I.P. website, Maisano began volunteering with her mother at a local nursing home in 2011 at the age of 12. She enjoyed it, so the residents and she began to look at how she could help others around her.

She put together a couple of holiday fundraisers that asked guests to bring gifts that could be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. After a couple of years, she and her family decided to apply for IRS 501(c)(3) status. She put her personal savings toward the $1,000 registration fee, and S.K.I.P. – Supporting Kids in Pain became a reality.

The organization now works with Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Girls Scouts of America and the Ronald McDonald House, among others.

Maisano still hosts an annual holiday fundraiser, but her goals are higher now. S.K.I.P.'s mission is to donate care bags to kids in all 50 states. So far, she’s checked a half dozen off her list.

If you would like to donate, click here.

Image: SkipForKids.org