Megan McAndrews, all American girl, humanitarian

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Megan McAndrews, all American girl, humanitarian

Peggy Vaughn |

E-mail this article \ Print this article

Photo courtesy of Tamara McAndrews

Megan McAndrews, 12, of Potomac, is a finalist in the 2007 Real Girls of the Year contest that honors budding humanitarians for contributing to the welfare of their communities and families in unique ways. McAndrews founded a community service group of like-minded young girls called ‘‘Donation Station” to help the homeless, the environment and those in need at home and abroad.

Megan McAndrews, 12, of Potomac, learned last month that she was a finalist in the American Girl toy company’s 2007 Real Girls of the Year contest. The competition that recognizes young girls that go above and beyond to help their communities and families draws some 14,000 entries, but McAndrews’ humanitarian efforts made her a standout.

Since founding a community service club called Donation Station three years ago, she and around10 classmates from the Norwood School have raised $12,000 for a number of different charities.

‘‘I like doing community service projects and this [club] lets me to do that and spend time with friends,” she said.

McAndrews brainstorms with her mother to identify volunteer activities, then handles all the logistics and scheduling for the club.

‘‘She’s very organized,” said her mother Tamara McAndrews. ‘‘She’s a type A daughter of a type A mother.”

The club has a long list of volunteer activities, from packing lunches for a homeless group to planting dozens of trees to improve the Anacostia River watershed.

‘‘We try to do an event four times a year,” Megan said.

On her own, she has donated 12 inches of fiery red hair to Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. She and a couple of friends also opted out of receiving gifts for their birthdays and instead, asked for donations to support the needs of a 5-year-old in Columbia.

As for her prize from the contest; an American Girl doll that is headed to a family in Mississippi that McAndrews helps via a nonprofit called the Box Project.

‘‘Every month, we send a box to this family... with medicine or something they can use. They have a little girl, around 10 or 11, so I’m sending her the doll,” Megan said.

Literacy tutors needed

The Literacy Council of Montgomery County has more than 200 adults wanting to work with a volunteer tutor to learn how to read, write, or speak English.

No foreign language skills are necessary to become a tutor. Volunteers typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times.

Orientations to become a tutor will be held from 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday at the Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave. and 7:30-9 p.m. on July 9 at the Rockville Library, 99 Maryland Ave. Registration is required. Call 301-610-0030 or e-mail info@literacycouncilmcmd.org.

A musical gift from Churchill grads

Winston Churchill High School’s graduating seniors are saying thanks to their school by presenting ‘‘ENCORE 2007,” a performance of the musical ‘‘Pippin,” to raise funds for the school’s choral music department. The show takes place at 7: 30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Bish Auditorium, 11300 Gainsborough Road. All tickets cost $10 and the entertainment includes a silent auction.

Congrats to ...

*Matthew Hodin, 15, of North Potomac, on being awarded the Kochavim Award by the Partnership For Jewish Life and Learning at the Teen Recognition Event held June 10 at Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac. The event recognizes teens that demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and dedication to Jewish life. He also received the B’nai B’rith Brotherhood Lodge CLTC Scholarship Award. He is a rising sophomore at Thomas S. Wootton High School and the son of Dan and Cathy Hodin, of North Potomac.

*TudorDominik Maican, a Winston Churchill High School student, on being named as a Presidential Scholar and be recognized for his talent in the ‘‘Arts - Musical Composition” category. He is one of six Maryland students honored this year. He is also receiving a Gubernatorial Citations from Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D).

Couple plans camp for wounded military personnel

North Potomac residents Ron and Joan Furman plan to host a camp to provide rest and relaxation for wounded military personnel and are seeking volunteers to help out.

Camp Furman will provide a day in the country for wounded Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine personnel who are in various facilities, such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.

Swimming, volleyball, badminton, horse shoes, darts, ping pong and other entertainment will be offered and a picnic lunch will be provided.

The camp will take place at the Furman’s home and is being held in conjunction with The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, which will provide transportation to the event.

Volunteers are needed to help with the games, coordinate the food vendors and anything else that is necessary to make the day a success.

Monetary contributions are also needed for equipment and other supplies. Make checks payable to the American Red Cross and specify for Camp Furman.

An organizational meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Furman’s home.

For more information, including the Furman’s address, contact Ron or Joan Furman at 301-948-7000 or e-mail them at furman@anproperties.com or joananpi@yahoo.com.