Friends across the globe

F-A-T-I-M-A. M-U-H-A-M-M-A-D.

Friday’s writing lesson extended beyond spelling tips in Sue Toy’s second-grade Golden View School class, when students wrote letters to their new pen pals in Pakistan.

The experience was brought by Amazing Kids!, a nonprofit founded by local mom Alyse Rome.

“One of the California second-grade standards is to write a friendly letter complete with the date, the salutation, the body, the closing and signature,� Toy said.

“I know that the children in this classroom are elated to write and receive letters from their pen pals abroad.�

Rome started the PenPals program following the devastating hurricane season in the south that generated Hurricane Katrina.

“I knew that once the kids and their families had their physical needs met, they would have some emotional needs,� she said.

The program now matches kids in the United States as well as abroad. Many kids at Golden View said their favorite part of the activity was choosing what to write.

“I wished they had a good day, and I hope they have a lot of fun,� said Elizabeth Tsai, 7.

“I told them that I live in the United States, and we celebrate a holiday called Thanksgiving,� said Alyssa Blackmore, 7. “It’s like meeting someone in another country [face to face].�

“I want to know what they do, what they like and what they eat,� said Kai Fowler, 7. “I wish I could see my pen pal, and I want to learn about them.�

Amazing Kids! offers far more than pen pals to its devoted young following.

The educational charity’s mission is to inspire excellence and creativity in children.

Frustrated by violent video games and school shootings, Rome founded Amazing Kids! 10 years ago.

“I just felt helpless and hopeless,� Rome said. “I had to do something. I wanted to lift kids’ sights up.�

The organization’s programs are experiencing unprecedented growth, and Rome foresees developing a paid staff and expanding its board of advisors.

At present, no one receives a salary at the all-volunteer organization.

It raises funds through donations and grants, online advertising revenues, and suggested $10 membership fees for its PenPals program.

A primary component of the organization’s site is the Amazing Kids! of the month section, where real-life kids doing big things are highlighted.

The October kid of the month — Ashlee Smith, 9, of Nevada — has given countless hours to help children who are victims of fire through her nonprofit, Ashlee’s Toy Closet.

Other components of the Amazing Kids! site include an online magazine and showcases of art by kids.

“Amazing Kids! wants every child to know that they can accomplish amazing things, and we encourage adults to get involved in kids’ lives to mentor them, so they can realize that potential,� Rome said.

In the new initiative Launch My Dream!, individuals, businesses and other nonprofits can partner in a community “Dream! Team� to benefit underprivileged children and youth with huge aspirations and potential.

“It’s an exciting time. I feel so blessed,� Rome said. “It just fills my heart and my soul.�

For more information or to get involved, call (714) 996-2123 visit amazing-kids.org.

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (714) 966-4631 or at [email protected].