Photos courtesy of  Family Service 

“Once you help the world, your life will change forever.” - Lennox Carley  

Three local girls are proving that kindness knows no age limit, and their passion for helping others has now earned them a place in Family Service history. 

Family Service’s annual fundraising gala, The Benefit, took on an extra layer of meaning this year as the organization introduced its first-ever Community Service Award. The honor went to Girls 4 Community, a trio of local girls who’ve turned childhood compassion into a powerful force for good. 

What began as a simple act of generosity in the fall of 2024 from then seven-year-old Avery Nelson donated $15 of her own money to Family Service, has grown into something extraordinary. Inspired by the impact she could make, Avery invited her friends, Ireland (8) and Lennox (10) Carley to join her efforts. Together, they formed Girls 4 Community, an idea as big-hearted as the girls behind it. 

Their first project was collecting used books to restock the Family Service Free Book Library, ensuring children and families could enjoy the magic of reading. But they didn’t stop there. They went on to organize a Thanksgiving food drive that brought in more than 1,000 pounds of food, feeding hundreds of local families during the holiday season. 

Since then, these young philanthropists have found countless ways to serve others by collecting coats and blankets in the winter, raising funds for backpacks and school supplies in the summer, writing letters to elders, volunteering at Special Olympics, and even spending weekends cleaning up local parks. 

“Young volunteers are not easy to come by and watching what these girls are doing not only for Family Service, but for the community as a whole, is truly amazing,” said Kelsey Stark, Development Director for Family Service. “I hope these girls spark inspiration in more young people and adults to go out and support their neighbors in need.” 

Their teamwork is as organized as it is inspiring: each girl holds the title of either CEO, CFO, or COO, and they’re already building a website to share their mission. As Lennox puts it best, “Once you help the world, your life will change forever.” 

Thanks in part to young changemakers like Girls 4 Community, The Benefit raised an incredible $224,000 this year, funds that will directly support Family Service’s mission to fight hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Yellowstone County and beyond. 

In a world that can sometimes feel too big for small hands, Avery, Ireland, and Lennox are proving that making a difference doesn’t have to wait until you grow up. It can start right now with heart, teamwork, and a few friends who care just as much as you do.