Fittingly, the fair featured a STANDUP FOR KIDS booth, where volunteers hoped to reach out to kids who might need—or know someone who needs—the organization’s services. Volunteers handed out fliers to fair attendees and invited them to get more information about the programs at STANDUP FOR KIDS, for when and if they ever need them.

A far cry from many people’s image of at-risk youth, the children and teens of ACCESS were inquisitive and polite. They shook hands with the STANDUP FOR KIDS staff before asking questions about the organization and its programs. At least two dozen students reported knowing a homeless teen. Many students also expressed interest in becoming volunteers. Though few admitted to personal experiences with homelessness, nearly all of the kids took informational materials about STANDUP FOR KIDS and agreed to pass them on to anyone who might need them.